Phenotypic polymorphism of the stilbellaceous entomogenous fungi in an ant nest of Ponera II. A cryptic new Tilachlidium species, Tilachlidium poneraticum

Abstract:

[Objective] To identify the taxonomic status of a stilbaceous entomopathogenic fungus collected on the soldier ant of Ponera. [Methods] The analysis mainly based on phenotypic traits (especially from the nutritional supplies), combined of molecular phylogeny and splits network. [Results] The strain GZAC XCH-ant-710 distinguished from the other Tilachlidium species by the ant host, the size of phialide and conidia, (11.9?16.2) μm×1.1 μm, (2.2?4.3) μm×1.1 μm, respectively. [Conclusion] The strain GZAC XCH-ant-710 is a new species, supported by the phenotypic traits (especially from the nutritional supplies), species delimitation, theory of evolutionary relationship, and multipath of combined analysis, and named Tilachlidium poneraticum.