A new Hirsutella species parasitic on grub larvae (Coleoptera)

Abstract:

[Objective] A new entomogenous fungi (GZUIFR-lgs-1), which was parasitic on grub larvae was identified and described. [Methods] The analysis mainly based on phenotypic characteristics and molecular phylogeny. [Results] The strain distinguished from the other Hirsutella species by phialides solitary, hyaline, occasionally proliferation and near right angle to hyphae, with distinctly swollen and verrucose base (19?27) μm×(2.7?3.6) μm, twisting in helices at the apex, neck (12.0?14.5) μm long; Conidia hyaline and smooth in mucous sheath, like orange segments (4.8?6.0) μm×(2.4?3.6) μm, single or occasionally in pairs. The result of phylogenic analysis based on ITS loci supported the morphological identification. [Conclusion] The specimen GZUIFR-lgs-1 is a new species in the genus Hirsutella, supported by the phenotypic traits and molecular analysis, named Hirsutella leigongshanensis.