[Funga • 2025] Samsoniella scoliopterygis (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) • A New Species of Samsoniella on the herald moth, Scoliopteryx libatrix (Noctuoidea: Erebidae), from caves in the British Isles

Samsoniella scoliopterygis  H.C. Evans & J.P.M. Araújo,

in Evans, Fogg, Buddie, Yeap et Araújo. 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3114/fuse.2025.15.09 

 

Abstract

Samsoniella scoliopterygis (Cordycipitaceae: Hypocreales), pathogenic on the herald moth Scoliopteryx libatrix (Erebidae: Noctuoidea), is described as a new species, based on morphological, ecological and molecular evidence. Infected specimens of this troglophilic moth were recorded from caves, as well as from a copper mine, in southern England (Devon, Norfolk), Northern Ireland (Fermanagh) and the Republic of Ireland (Sligo). The moths were found consistently on the cave floor or rock ledges, rather than on the ceiling amongst the overwintering, healthy moth populations; producing multiple, white or non-pigmented clavae of the cordyceps-like sexual morph. Synnemata of the asexual morph occurred sporadically in situ but were produced consistently in vitro. The ecology and taxonomy are discussed in relation to previous records of entomopathogenic fungi on Scoliopteryx libatrix and other trogloxene moths.

 Keywords: Samsoniella scoliopterygis; ecology; entomopathogenic fungi; new taxon; phylogenetics; systematics 

Samsoniella scoliopterygis sp. nov., holotype IMI 507611.
A, B. Sexual morph on herald moth, (Scoliopteryx libatrix), dried specimen from floor of Boho Caves (Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland), showing the superficial perithecia on stromata emerging from the dorsal surface and orifices (mouth and anus). C, D. Transverse section of an ascostroma showing the superficial, flask-shaped perithecia with a wide, prominent neck region and wall. E. Perithecial tip showing the asci and ascospores oozing from the ostiole. F. Ascus showing prominent cap.

 Scale bars: A, B = 2 mm; C = 100 µm; D = 30 µm; E = 15 µm; F = 5 µm.

Samsoniella scoliopterygis, IMI 507613, on herald moths in situ in Boho Caves, July 2024.
 A. Infected moth on ledge in twilight zone (arrow), ca. 6 m from cave entrance in background. B. Close-up of stromata showing the white, superficial, crowded perithecia. C–E. Infected moths in various positions within the dark zone of the cave system, all with white stromata.

Scale bars: B = 1 mm; C, E = 8 mm; D = 5 mm.

Samsoniella scoliopterygis H.C. Evans & J.P.M. Araújo, sp. nov.

 

H.C. Evans, T. Fogg, A.G. Buddie, Y.T. Yeap and J.P.M. Araújo. 2025. A New Species of Samsoniella (Cordycipitaceae: Hypocreales) on the herald moth, Scoliopteryx libatrix (Erebidae: Noctuoidea), from caves in the British Isles. Fungal Systematics and Evolution. 15(1); 201-224. DOI: doi.org/10.3114/fuse.2025.15.09 (June 2025) 

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[Fungi • 2026] Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata • Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Pleurocordyceps (Hypocreales: Polycephalomycetaceae) associated with Ants and Cicadas from Malaysia, including A New Species and New Records

  

Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata 

in Shahbaz, Mohadden, Rong, Wei et Seelan, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.4.1

 

Abstract

Pleurocordyceps is a group of hyperparasites that infects invertebrates, plants, and other fungi. It belongs to the family Polycephalomycetaceae, a newly established family separated from Ophiocordycipitaceae, order Hypocreales which includes several genera such as Dingleyomyces, Paradingleyomyces, Perennicordyceps, Pleurocordyceps, and Polycephalomyces. Pleurocordyceps currently comprises 26 species reported from South American and Asian regions In Asia, Malaysia has diverse forest ecosystems and rich fungal diversity; however, no previous studies have been reported on the occurrence of Pleurocordyceps species. The aim of the study is to explore the Pleurocordyceps diversity tropical rainforests of Malaysia using morpho-molecular analyses. During a fungal survey in Malaysia, fungicolous fungus associated with ants and cicadas nymphs were collected and subjected to morphological and molecular assessments. Two genetic loci—the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF-1α) gene—were used to construct both individual and concatenated phylogenetic trees. The study describes a new species, Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata sp. nov. (BORH/F03651) from an ant, and two new records of P. aurantiaca (BORH/F03651), and P. nipponica (UTHM-CEF003.1) from Diptera and cicada nymph, respectively. These findings expand the knowledge of the geographic distribution of Pleurocordyceps and provide the first baseline data for the genus in Malaysia, thereby improving understanding of the diversity and evolutionary relationships within Polycephalomycetaceae.

arthropod hosts, entomopathogenic fungi, Pleurocordyceps, synnema, three taxa, typification, Fungi

Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata sp. nov. 

MUHAMMAD SHAHBAZ, FIRDZA ZULKARNAIN MOHADDEN, JEREMIAH SIA YIAO RONG, YAP JING WEI and JAYA SEELAN SATHIYA SEELAN. 2026. Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Pleurocordyceps (Polycephalomycetaceae, Hypocreales) associated with Ants and Cicadas from Malaysia, including A New Species and New Records.  Phytotaxa. 750(4); 219-237. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.4.1 [2026-04-09]

[Fungi • 2026] Leptobacillium geminatum • A New Species of Leptobacillium and Additional Records of Simplicillium and Leptobacillium (Ascomycota: Cordycipitaceae) from Sabah, Malaysia

Leptobacillium geminatum

in Shahbaz, De Wint, Rong, Wei, Koid, Fayle, Tan, Abdullah, Palaniveloo et Seelan, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/nzb2.70107 

Abstract

Simplicillium and Leptobacillium are entomopathogenic fungal genera frequently associated with arthropods in tropical ecosystems and considered promising candidates for biological pest control. However, the diversity of these genera in tropical regions, particularly in Malaysia, has not been systematically investigated in the context of their taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships. This study aimed to investigate the taxonomic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of Simplicillium and Leptobacillium using integrated morphological and molecular analyses. During a survey of entomopathogenic fungi conducted in Malaysia from 2022–2023, parasitized insects were collected, including spiders and wasps infected by entomopathogenic fungi. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using concatenated datasets of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α) gene to construct phylogenetic trees. The study identified one novel species, Leptobacillium geminatum sp. nov., isolated from a spider. In addition, five species are reported here as new records for Malaysia: S. formicae, L. leptobactrum. symbioticum, and L. coffeanum isolated from spiders and S. puwenense, isolated from a wasp. Morphological characteristics together with molecular phylogenetic evidence supported the taxonomic placement of these taxa. These findings represent the first comprehensive documentation of Simplicillium and Leptobacillium species from Malaysia, significantly expanding the known diversity and geographical distribution of these entomopathogenic fungi in Southeast Asia.

Keywords: concatenation, fungal diversity, morphology, Northern Borneo, taxonomy

 Leptobacillium geminatum sp. nov.

Muhammad Shahbaz, Frederik C. De Wint, Jeremiah Sia Yiao Rong, Yap Jing Wei, Qian-Qun Koid, Tom Fayle, Yee Shin Tan, Sumaiyah Abdullah, Kishneth Palaniveloo, Jaya Seelan Sathiya Seelan. 2026. A New Species of Leptobacillium and Additional Records of Simplicillium and Leptobacillium from Sabah, Malaysia. New Zealand Journal of Botany. 64(2); DOI: doi.org/10.1002/nzb2.70107 [02 June 2026] 

[Arachnida • 2026] “The Cordyceps Spider”: Taczanowskia waska sp. nov. (Araneae: Araneidae), A New spider Species and A Novel Case of Mimicry of an Araneopathogenic Fungus (Cordycipitaceae: Gibellula)

Taczanowskia waska

Díaz-Guevara, Bentley & Dupérré, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5760.5.4 

Researchgate.net/publication/401254813

Abstract 

Herein, we describe a new species of the rare spider genus Taczanowskia Keyserling, 1879 (Araneae: Araneidae), Taczanowskia waska sp. nov. (♀) from the Ecuadorian Amazon. Additionally, we discuss its unique fungal mimicry, comment on Taczanowskia ecology, and provide an updated taxonomic key for females of the genus. The importance of this discovery extends well beyond the description of a novel taxon, representing the first reported case of Arachnid mimicry of an araneopathogenic fungus. Finally, we discuss the application of citizen science to collecting ecological and biogeographical data on arachnids and its potential use for describing new taxa. 

Araneae, fungal-mimicry, arachnids, mycelium, Amazon, llanganates-Sangay Connectivity Corridor

Taczanowskia waska sp. nov., female holotype, alive.
 a, dorsal view. B, second dorsal view. C, posterior dorsalview. D, frontal view. e, posterior dorsal view with an ovisac. 

 Records of spiders with apparent fungal mimicry.
a, Taczanowskia waska sp. nov. from Pastaza, ecuador (© David R.Díaz-Guevara). B, unknown araneidae species from Huong National Park, vietnam, 2013 (© Paul Bertner).
C, D, an undescribed species of Acantharachne from uganda, 0.390, 33.113 (© Frank Deschandol).
E, Exechocentrus lancearius from Madagascar, -18.966, 48.592 (© Artur Tomaszek). F, Mastophora leucacantha from coastal Brazil, -23.959, -46.190 (© Thiago Gonçalves Coronado Antunes).

David R. DÍAZ-GUEVARA, Alexander Griffin BENTLEY and Nadine DUPÉRRÉ. 2026. “The Cordyceps Spider”: Taczanowskia waska sp. nov. (Araneae: Araneidae), A New spider Species and A Novel Case of Mimicry of an Araneopathogenic Fungus (Cordycipitaceae: Gibellula).  Zootaxa. 5760(5); 563-576. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5760.5.4 [2026-02-26]

 Researchgate.net/publication/401254813_Taczanowskia_waska_sp_nov_a_new_spider_species_and_a_novel_case_of_mimicry_of_an_araneopathogenic_fungus

 instagram.com/waska.amazonia

 instagram.com/bentley7_7 

[Fungi • 2026] Gibellula mineira • The Silent Hunters of Spiders: Discovering A New Gibellula (Ascomycota: Cordycipitaceae) Fungus in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Iguarima censoria (Anyphaenidae) spiders

unparasitized and parasitized by Gibellula mineira sp. nov.

Santos, Mendes-Pereira, Ribeiro & Kloss. 2026 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.funbio.2026.101748

 

Abstract

In tropical forests, there is a high diversity of parasites that use arthropods as resource, particularly arachnids. One of the most frequent groups of spiders’ parasites in tropical forests are fungi of the genus Gibellula, for which a considerable knowledge gap remains in these environments. In this study, we present the description of a new species that infects spiders of the species Iguarima censoria (Anyphaenidae) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, Gibellula mineira sp. nov. We also described the prevalence of the new fungal species in the host spider population and evaluated whether the host size influences their probability of parasitism. Morphological and molecular analyses revealed that G. mineira represents a distinct species forming a clade with 100% support of bootstrap and showing a close phylogenetic relationship with Gibellula aurea. The characteristics that distinguish it from other species of the genus include light brown hyphae, white and slightly larger conidiophores, and thinner phialides. We observed a high prevalence of parasitism in this interaction, reaching 25% of the observed I. censoria population. Furthermore, we noted that the cadavers of parasitized spiders are exclusively attached to the underside of leaves, following the typical pattern observed for Gibellula species. Parasitism is more frequent in smaller I. censoria individuals, which is probably associated with thinner cuticles or higher foraging activity in smaller individuals. We suggested that G. mineira is an important natural enemy of I. censoria, directly influencing the population dynamics of this spider and expanding our knowledge of the ecology and biodiversity of araneopathogenic fungi.

 

Keywords: Hypocreales, Araneae, Behavioral manipulation, Parasitism, Araneopathogenic fungi

 Iguarima censoria (Anyphaenidae) spiders unparasitized and parasitized by Gibellula mineira sp. nov.
(A) Unparasitized individual foraging in vegetation; (B) Silk retreat built by unparasitized spiders on the leaf lamina;
(C) Adult I. censoria individual infected by G. mineira at an early stage of fungal development; (D) G. mineira colony at mature stage of development;
(E) I. censoria individual showing newly formed synnemata (white); (F) I. censoria individual showing mature synnemata (light brown);
(G) Detail of a white synnema, at the beginning of development, with conidiophores showing chains of conidia; (H) Developed light brown synnema, with dense, white conidiophores.

Scale bars: E, G, H = 1 mm.  

Gibellula mineira sp. nov. 

Aline dos Santos, Thairine Mendes-Pereira, Camila de Fátima Ferreira Ribeiro and Thiago Gechel Kloss. 2026. The Silent Hunters of Spiders: Discovering A New Gibellula (Ascomycota: Cordycipitaceae) Fungus in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Fungal Biology. 130(3); 101748. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.funbio.2026.101748

[Fungi • 2025] Cyberlindnera sirindhorniae f.a., sp. nov., Blastobotrys princeps f.a., sp. nov. & B. siamensis f.a., sp. nov. • Three Novel Ascomycetous Yeast Species Isolated from Plant Leaves and Wild Mushrooms Collected in Thailand

 

Cyberlindnera sirindhorniae f.a., sp. nov. TBRC 19863T.

 

in Khunnamwong, Gungprakhon, Nualthaisong, Sakolrak, Srisuk et Limtong, 2025. 

 Tropical Natural History. Suppl. 8; 

ยีสต์สิรินธร  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.25.8.267392

Abstract

Four yeast strains representing three novel species were isolated from two sources in Thailand, one from the leaf surface of a tall-stilt mangrove (Rhizophora apiculata, strain DMKU-RG45) and three from the fruiting bodies of wild mushrooms (strains DMKU-TM03, DMKU-SM11, and DMKU-SM28) collected in Thailand. Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region revealed that these four strains differed by 0.87–8.68% and 2.07–13.55% in their nucleotide divergence from their closest described species in the sequences of the D1/D2 domain of the LSU rRNA gene and the ITS region, respectively. In phylogenetic analyses, the strain DMKU-RG45 belonged to the genus Cyberlindnera and was distinct from other recognized species in this genus, whereas the strains DMKU-TM03, DMKU-SM11, and DMKU-SM28 were members of the genus Blastobotrys. However, they were in two different positions, each of which was distinct from closely related species. Based on molecular analyses and phenotypic characteristics, the strain DMKU-RG45 is proposed as Cyberlindnera sirindhorniae f.a., sp. nov. (the holotype is TBRC 19863T; MycoBank No. is MB 858763). The other three strains (DMKU-TM03, DMKU-SM11, and DMKU-SM28) are proposed as two novel Blastobotrys species. Blastobotrys princeps f.a., sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate the strain DMKU-TM03 (the holotype is TBRC 19382T; MycoBank No. is MB 858764). Blastobotrys siamensis f.a., sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate both strains DMKU-SM11 and DMKU-SM28 (the holotype is TBRC 19380T; MycoBank No. is MB 858765).

Keywords: Blastobotrys princeps, Blastobotrys siamensis, Cyberlindnera sirindhorniae, Mangrove Forest, Mushroom

Cyberlindnera sirindhorniae f.a., sp. nov. TBRC 19863T.
A‒C.colonies on YM agar after 7 days at 25 °C;
D.budding cells on YM agar after 3 days at 25 °C (bar, 10 μm);
E–G.pseudohyphae with blastoconidia grown on corn meal agar after 7 days at 25 °C.

Cyberlindnera sirindhorniae f.a., sp. nov. [the strain DMKU-RG45]

the holotype is TBRC 19863T; MycoBank No. is MB 858763

ยีสต์สิรินธร

Blastobotrys princeps f.a., sp. nov. [the strain DMKU-TM03]

(the holotype is TBRC 19382T; MycoBank No. is MB 858764)

ยีสต์เจ้าฟ้าหญิง

Blastobotrys siamensis f.a., sp. nov. [strains DMKU-SM11 and DMKU-SM28]

(the holotype is TBRC 19380T; MycoBank No. is MB 858765)

Pannida Khunnamwong, Pajongwan Gungprakhon, Panadda Nualthaisong, Baramee Sakolrak, Nanata Srisuk and Savitree Limtong. 2025. Three Novel Ascomycetous Yeast Species Isolated from Plant Leaves and Wild Mushrooms Collected in Thailand. Tropical Natural History. Suppl. 8; 399-414. DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.25.8.267392 [2025-10-20]

[Fungi • 2025] Metschnikowia sirindhorniae f.a., sp. nov. & Moniliella princeps sp. nov. • Two Novel Yeasts Species Isolated from Toddy Palm (Borassus flabellifer L.) Inflorescence Sap in Thailand

 

Metschnikowia sirindhorniae  

in Jindamorakot, Am-In, Kaewwichian, Khunnamwong et Limtong, 2025.

Tropical Natural History. Suppl. 8;  

DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.25.8.267713 

Abstract

Two strains, YSP-519 and YSP-478, respectively representing novel ascomycetous and basidiomycetous yeast species, were obtained from toddy palm inflorescence sap collected in Thailand. The ascomycetous yeast strain YSP-519 was closely related to Metschnikowia agaves CBS 7744T. There were 1.6% nucleotide substitutions (9 nucleotide substitutions and 2 gaps out of 555 nt) in the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene and 0.7% nucleotide substitutions (3 nucleotide substitutions out of 454 nt) in the ITS regions. The basidiomycetous yeast strain YSP-478 was closely related to Moniliella pollinis CBS 461.67T. It had 0.5 % nucleotide substitutions (3 nucleotide substitutions out of 554 nt) in the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene and 2.0% nucleotide substitutions (9 nucleotide substitutions out of 473 nt) in the ITS regions. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated sequences of the ITS regions and the D1/D2 domains confirmed that the two strains represent two new species. The name Metschnikowia sirindhorniae f.a., sp. nov. is proposed for YSP-519T), and Moniliella princeps sp. nov. is proposed for YSP-478T. The holotypes of M. sirindhorniae and Mo. princeps are TBRC 10642T and TBRC 10641T, respectively and the ex-type are CGMCC 2.6079T and CGMCC 2.6078T, respectively. The MycoBank numbers of M. sirindhorniae and Mo. princeps are MB858878 and MB858879, respectively.

Keywords: Metschnikowia sirindhorniae f.s., sp. nov., Moniliella princeps sp. nov., novel yeast species, Thailand

Metschnikowia sirindhorniae sp. nov. YSP-519T.
A. budding cells in YM broth after 3 days at 25 °C (bar, 10 μm);
B. pseudomycelium formed on PDA after 7 days at 25 °C (bar, 10 μm);
C. pseudomycelium in YM broth after 14days at 25 °C (bar, 10 μm).

 Metschnikowia sirindhorniae f.a., sp. nov. 

ยีสต์น้ำหวานดอกตาลโตนดสิรินธร

 Moniliella princeps sp. nov.

ยีสต์น้ำหวานดอกตาลโตนดเจ้าฟ้าหญิง

Sasitorn Jindamorakot, Somjit Am-In, Rungluck Kaewwichian, Pannida Khunnamwong and Savitree Limtong. 2025. Metschnikowia sirindhorniae f.a., sp. nov. and Moniliella princeps sp. nov., Two Novel Yeasts Species Isolated from Toddy Palm (Borassus flabellifer L.) Inflorescence Sap in Thailand.  Tropical Natural History. Suppl. 8;  439-448. DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.25.8.267713 

[Funga • 2025] Ophiocordyceps cephalotiphila, O. jaliscana, ... • Zombie-ant Fungi from western Mexico: Six New Species in the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis complex (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) and A New Host Association with Cephalotes ants

Ophiocordyceps spp.
Zombie-ant Fungi from western Mexico

Ophiocordyceps camponoti-striati C.E. BallesterosAguirre, T. Sanjuan & L. Guzmán-Dávalos,
O. cephalotiphila C.E. Ballesteros-Aguirre, T. Sanjuan & L. Guzmán-Dávalos,
O. deltoroi C.E. Ballesteros-Aguirre, T. Sanjuan & L. Guzmán-Dávalos,
O. haraveriensis C.E. Ballesteros-Aguirre, L. Guzmán-Dávalos & T. Sanjuan,
O. jaliscana C.E. Ballesteros-Aguirre, L. Guzmán-Dávalos & T. Sanjuan,
O. pseudocamponoti-atricipis C.E. Ballesteros-Aguirre, T. Sanjuan & L. Guzmán-Dávalos,

in Ballesteros-Aguirre, Sanjuan, Ramírez-Cruz, Villalobos-Arámbula, Vásquez-Bolaños et Guzmán-Dávalos, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.06 

facebook.com/CesarEBallesterosAguirre

Abstract 

The myrmecophilous hirsutelloid fungi of the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis complex are common in tropical forests around the world. They are known as zombie-ant fungi because they manipulate the behaviour of ants, since infected ants are forced to move to specific sites in the forest, with optimal environmental conditions for the development of the fungus sporocarp or sporome and the release of the spores. Once there, the ants grab to the substrate with their mandibles, die, and their body becomes a source of nutrients for the fungus. Most of the species of the O. unilateralis complex have been described from the Neotropics and the East and Southeast Asia. However, it is likely that there are still many unknown species due to the diversity of their hosts and different specific associations. In this study, we describe six new species of the O. unilateralis complex from western Mexico: Ophiocordyceps camponoti-striati, O. cephalotiphila, O. deltoroi, O. haraveriensis, O. jaliscana, and O. pseudocamponoti-atricipis, based on morphological characters, phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences (18S, TEF1, RPB1, and RPB2), and ecological data. We found the following host associations: one fungus – one ant, two fungi – one ant, and one fungus – two ants. Furthermore, we confirmed the host species of the ant genera Camponotus and Colobopsis (Formicinae) based on morphological characters and COI sequences, but we also found two species of Cephalotes (Myrmicinae) susceptible to fungal attack, challenging the paradigm that the O. unilateralis complex is a specific parasite of Camponotini (Formicinae) ants. This study provides insights into the evolution and host range of the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis complex in Mexico.

Keywords: Camponotini; Myrmicinae; ant pathogens; ascospore germination; extended phenotype; funga; new taxa

 

Ophiocordyceps camponoti-striati C.E. BallesterosAguirre, T. Sanjuan & L. Guzmán-Dávalos, sp. nov.  

 Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the scientific name of the host ant species Camponotus striatus.

Ophiocordyceps cephalotiphila C.E. Ballesteros-Aguirre, T. Sanjuan & L. Guzmán-Dávalos, sp. nov.  

 Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the fact that this species of Ophiocordyceps has affinity by Cephalotes.

Ophiocordyceps deltoroi C.E. Ballesteros-Aguirre, T. Sanjuan & L. Guzmán-Dávalos, sp. nov.  

 Etymology: The specific epithet is in honour of Guillermo Del Toro, a Mexican filmmaker born in the Jalisco state, famous for his fantastic movie characters.

Ophiocordyceps haraveriensis C.E. Ballesteros-Aguirre, L. Guzmán-Dávalos & T. Sanjuan, sp. nov. 

 Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the type locality, the Haravéri Botanical Garden.

Ophiocordyceps jaliscana C.E. Ballesteros-Aguirre, L. Guzmán-Dávalos & T. Sanjuan, sp. nov.  

Etymology: Named after the Mexican state in which it was collected.

Ophiocordyceps pseudocamponoti-atricipis C.E. Ballesteros-Aguirre, T. Sanjuan & L. Guzmán-Dávalos, sp. nov.  

 Etymology: The specific epithet indicates its similarity to the species O. camponoti-atricipis and that it is found on Camponotus atriceps s. l.

  Ballesteros-Aguirre, C.E., Sanjuan, T., Ramírez-Cruz, V., Villalobos-Arámbula, Vásquez-Bolaños, M. and Guzmán-Dávalos. 2025. Zombie-ant Fungi from western Mexico: Six New Species in the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis complex (Hypocreales: Ascomycota) and A New Host Association with Cephalotes ants. Persoonia - Molecular Phylogeny and Evolution of Fungi. DOI: doi.org/10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.06

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[Funga • 2020] Pseudosperma citrinostipes (Agaricomycetes: Inocybaceae) • A New Species associated with Keteleeria from southwestern China

 

Pseudosperma citrinostipes  Y.G. Fan & W.J. Yu,

Yu, Chang, Qin, Zeng, Wang et Fan, 2020. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.450.1.2  

 Researchgate.net/publication/342422365

Abstract

Pseudosperma citrinostipes sp. nov. from southwestern China is described and illustrated based on morphological, ecological, and molecular data. The new species is characterized by a medium-sized slender habit, straw yellow to golden yellow pileus, crowded lamellae without olive tinges, an equal stipe with lemon yellow to golden fibrils, large ellipsoid to subphaseoliform basidiospores, subfusiform to lageniform cheilocystidia, and the presence of caulocystidia at the stipe apex. Phylogenetically, P. citrinostipes is placed in the P. rimosum complex and is sister to the rest of the taxa of the species complex.

Keywords: Agaricomycetes, cryptic species, taxonomy, Yunnan province

Basidiomata of Pseudosperma citrinostipes.
 a-b. FCAS3504. c., e. and h. FHMU3150 (holotype). d., f. and g. FCAS3503.

bars = 10 mm. photos by Y.G. Fan.

Pseudosperma citrinostipes sp. nov. 

Wen-Jie YU, Cheng CHANG, Li-Wu QIN, Nian-Kai ZENG, Shao-Xian WANG and Yu-Guang FAN. 2020. Pseudosperma citrinostipes (Inocybaceae), A New Species associated with Keteleeria from southwestern China. Phytotaxa. 450(1); 8-16. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.450.1.2  

 Researchgate.net/publication/342422365_Pseudosperma_citrinostipes_a_new_species_associated_with_Keteleeria_from_southwestern_China

[Funga • 2025] Gibellula attenboroughii (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) • The araneopathogenic genus Gibellula in the British Isles, including A New Zombie Species on Orb-weaving Cave Spiders (Tetragnathidae: Metainae)

 

Gibellula attenboroughii, habitat and paratype, on Meta menardi.
 

Evans, Fogg, Buddie, Yeap, & Araújo, 2025 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3114/fuse.2025.15.07 

 

Abstract  

The genus Gibellula (Cordycipitaceae: Hypocreales) comprises species pathogenic on and specific to spider hosts. Here, we report on the occurrence of a novel species infecting cave-dwelling, orb-weaving spiders of the sub-family Metainae (Tetragnathidae) in the British Isles. The new species, Gibellula attenboroughii is described and illustrated and its ecology is discussed; leading to the conclusion that infected spiders exhibit behavioural changes similar to those reported for zombie ants. The hidden diversity of the genus Gibellula in the British Isles is further highlighted based on fungarium records and literature searches. Two spider pathogens, previously assigned to the genus Torrubiella, are now transferred to the genus Gibellula, based on their Granulomanus synasexual morphs, in accordance with the one fungus-one name initiative: Gibellula albolanata comb. nov. and G. aranicida comb. nov.

Keywords: Gibellula attenboroughii; entomopathogenic fungi; host manipulation; new taxa; systematics

 

Gibellula attenboroughii, habitat and paratype IMI 507598, on Meta menardi.
A. Whitefathers’ Caves, showing the dark zone above the River Barran, County Cavan, Republic of Ireland. B. Entrance and twilight zone. C. Infected spider in situ, on cave ceiling, showing early infection with immature synnemata on compact, white subiculum, the specimen was found immediately above the figure in the centre. D. Dried specimen, showing creamish-yellow subiculum covering ventral abdomen.

 Scale bars: C = 0.5 mm; D = 0.25 mm.

  Evans, H.C.; Fogg, T.; Buddie, A.G.; Yeap, Y.T. and Araújo, J.P.M. 2025. The araneopathogenic genus Gibellula (Cordycipitaceae: Hypocreales) in the British Isles, including A New Zombie Species on Orb-weaving Cave Spiders (Metainae: Tetragnathidae).  Fungal Systematics and Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.3114/fuse.2025.15.07 

  x.com/joaofungo/status/1884185595884487080

[Funga • 2024] Metarhizium puerense (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan, south-western China

Metarhizium puerense Hong Yu bis, J. M. Ma & Z.Q. Wang, 

in Ma, Wang, Yang, Chen, Li et Yu, 2024. 

DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.12.e129087

 

Abstract

Background: As a genus within the Clavicipitaceae, Metarhizium exhibits rich morphological and ecological diversity, with a wide distribution and a variety of hosts. Currently, sixty-eight species of Metarhizium have been described.

New information: A new species of Metarhizium, M. puerense (Hong Yu bis), was described in Pu'er City, Yunnan Province, south-western China. Based on morphological characteristics and multilocus phylogenetic analyses, Metarhizium puerense was confirmed to be phylogenetically related to M. album, but was clearly separated and formed a distinct branch. In contrast, the host of Metarhizium album was plants and leafhoppers and that lepidopteran larvae were the host of M. puerense. The diagnostic features of M. puerense were solitary to multiple stromata and smooth-walled, cylindrical with rounded apices conidia.

Keywords: Metarhizium, morphology, phylogenetic analyses

Metarhizium puerense (YFCCMP 9458).
A. Stromata arising from hosts buried in soil. B. Fungus on the larvae of Lepidoptera. C. Apical part of stromata D-E. Culture characters on PDA (D = after 14 days, E = after 30 days). F-I. Conidiophores, phialides and conidia. J-K. Conidia.

 Scale bars: A-E = 1 cm. F-J = 10 µm. K = 5 µm.

Metarhizium puerense Hong Yu bis, J. M. Ma & Z.Q. Wang, sp. nov.

Jin Mei Ma, Zhi Qin Wang, Zhi Li Yang, Yue Chen, Song Yu Li and Hong Yu. 2024. Metarhizium puerense (Hypocreales, Clavicipitaceae): A New Species from Yunnan, south-western China. Biodiversity Data Journal. 12: e129087. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.12.e129087

[Mycology • 2024] Tuber itzcuinzapotl (Ascomycota: Pezizomycetes: Tuberaceae) • the First Edible Truffle reported from Mexico with Traditional Biocultural Importance

Tuber itzcuinzapotl de la Fuente & Rosales-Rosales,  
 

in de la Fuente, Rosales-Rosales, Martínez-González, Martínez-Reyes, Elizondo-Salas et Perez-Moreno, 2024. 

DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.635.3.2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/377700444

  facebook.com/TecNMZongolica

Abstract

Tuber itzcuinzapotl is described as a new species to science. This species is characterized by its pale brown ascomata, finely granular peridium, pale brown to gray gleba, and 22–52 × 15–40 µm alveolate ascospores. The new species is putatively associated with Pinus patula in conifer mixed forests in the state of Veracruz, located in eastern Mexico. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nrITS region places the new species in the Maculatum clade, closely related, but morphologically distinctive, to T. miquihuanense and T. mexiusanum. The new species consumed by the Nahua people, traditionally named “Itzcuinzapotl”, constitutes the first edible truffle with biocultural importance in Mexico. Macro- and micromorphological characterization, results of phylogenetic analysis, and photographs are presented. Ethnomycological aspects related to the species are also briefly discussed.

 

Key words: biocultural erosion, Ethnomycology, fungi, hypogeous fungi, Mexican truffles, mycorrhizal fungi, traditional knowledge

Tuber itzcuinzapotl de la Fuente & Rosales-Rosales, sp. nov. (Holotype).
A) Fresh ascomata. B) Dry ascomata. C) Peridium hyphal arrangement. D) Hyphae fromsterile veins. E) 3-spored ascus containing 2 mature ascospores showing alveolate ornamentation.

Bar: A–B= 10 mm; C–E=20 μm.

Tuber itzcuinzapotl de la Fuente & Rosales-Rosales, sp. nov.

Diagnosis:—The new species differs from other species within the Maculatum clade by its pale brown ascomata,finely granular peridium, composed of subglobose hyphae, forming pyramid-like structures, clavate terminal cells of11−30 × 6−10 μm, pale brown to gray gleba, and 22−52 × 15−40 μm alveolate ascospores. 

Etymology:—Refers to the name used by the Nahua people to designate this edibles species itzcuinzapotl (itzcuin = dog, and zapotl = zapote, a native sweet fruit). 

Javier Isaac de la Fuente, Wendy Rosales-Rosales, César Ramiro Martínez-González, Magdalena Martínez-Reyes, Andrea Carolina Elizondo-Salas and Jesus Perez-Moreno. 2024. Tuber itzcuinzapotl sp. nov. (Tuberaceae, Pezizomycetes), the First Edible Truffle reported from Mexico with Traditional Biocultural Importance.  Phytotaxa. 635(3); 206-216. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.635.3.2

  Researchgate.net/publication/377700444_Tuber_itzcuinzapotl_the_first_edible_truffle_reported_from_Mexico

  facebook.com/100089681312095/posts/339977982334910

  facebook.com/TecNMZongolica/posts/679302027702523

[Fungi • 2023] Paraisaria cascadensis & P. pseudoheteropoda (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) • New Species and New Combinations in the Genus Paraisaria from the U.S.A., supported by polyphasic analysis

Paraisaria cascadensis Tehan, Dooley & Spatafora,

 Paraisaria pseudoheteropoda Tehan & Spatafora,

in Tehan, Dooley, Barge, McPhail et Spatafora, 2023. 

DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.100.110959

 

Abstract

Molecular phylogenetic and chemical analyses, and morphological characterization of collections of North American Paraisaria specimens support the description of two new species and two new combinations for known species. P. cascadensis sp. nov. is a pathogen of Cyphoderris (Orthoptera) from the Pacific Northwest USA and P. pseudoheteropoda sp. nov. is a pathogen of cicadae (Hemiptera) from the Southeast USA. New combinations are made for Ophiocordyceps insignis and O. monticola based on morphological, ecological, and chemical study. A new cyclopeptide family proved indispensable in providing chemotaxonomic markers for resolving species in degraded herbarium specimens for which DNA sequencing is intractable. This approach enabled the critical linkage of a 142-year-old type specimen to a phylogenetic clade. The diversity of Paraisaria in North America and the utility of chemotaxonomy for the genus are discussed.

Key words: Ascomycota, chemotaxonomy, Cicada, Cordyceps, Cyphoderris, entomopathogen, Ophiocordyceps, Prionus

 Paraisaria cascadensis Tehan, Dooley & Spatafora, sp. nov.

Etymology: cascadensis occurring in the Cascade Mountain range in the Pacific Northwest, USA.

Host: Cyphoderris monstrosa (Prophalangopsidae, Orthoptera).

Habitat: Specimens occur on hypogeous adult hump-winged grigs, Cyphoderris monstrosa, in coniferous forest.

 Paraisaria pseudoheteropoda Tehan & Spatafora, sp. nov.

Etymology: pseudoheteropoda resembling another cicada-pathogenic species, Paraisaria heteropoda.

Host: Nymphs of Cicadidae (Hemiptera).

Habitat: Specimens occur on hypogeous nymphs of cicadae at the base of coniferous and deciduous trees, especially oaks.

Richard M. Tehan, Connor B. Dooley, Edward G. Barge, Kerry L. McPhail and Joseph W. Spatafora. 2023. New Species and New Combinations in the Genus Paraisaria (Hypocreales, Ophiocordycipitaceae) from the U.S.A., supported by polyphasic analysis.  MycoKeys. 100: 69-94. DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.100.110959