Ophiocordyceps myrmecophila

Ophiocordyceps myrmecophila is a species of fungus that parasitizes insect hosts, in particular members of the order Hymenoptera.[1]

Ophiocordyceps myrmecophila
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Fungi
Division:
Ascomycota
Class:
Sordariomycetes
Order:
Hypocreales
Family:
Ophiocordycipitaceae
Genus:
Ophiocordyceps
Species:
O. myrmecophila
Binomial name
Ophiocordyceps myrmecophila
(Ces.) G.H. Sung, J.M. Sung, Hywel-Jones & Spatafora
Synonyms
  • Cordyceps myrmecophila Ces.
  • Torrubia myrmecophila (Ces.) Tul. & C. Tul.

Distribution

Ophiocordyceps myrmecophila has been noted as one of the more dominant entomopathogenic fungi of formicine ants in the tropical rainforests of Thailand.[1] This species and others like it can parasitize multiple arthropod hosts. Although entomopathogenic fungi have been identified as a widespread organism, tending obviously to be found in similar habitats to that of their arthropod host; ubiquity of the host, as well as evolutionary cospeciation are key factors of host specificity and therefore location.

Phylogeny

The new genus was separated recently from an 'outdated' entomopathogenic genus, Cordyceps, due to DNA analysis and phylogenetic differences in stromata and apices.[2]

References
  1. Aung, O.M.; Soutong, K.; Hyde, K.D. (2008). "Diversity of entomopathogenic fungi in rainforests of Chiang Mai Province". Fungal Diversity (30): 15–22.
  2. Sung GH, Hywel-Jones NL, Sung JM, Luangsa-Ard JJ, Shrestha B, Spatafora JW (2007). "Phylogenetic classification of Cordyceps and the clavicipitaceous fungi". Studies in Mycology. 57 (1). doi:10.3114/sim.2007.57.01. PMC 2104736. PMID 18490993.
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