Ophiocordyceps myrmecophila
| Ophiocordyceps myrmecophila | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| 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 | |
| |
Ophiocordyceps myrmecophila, commonly known as the ant fungus or ant eater,[1] is a species of fungus that parasitizes insect hosts, in particular members of the order Hymenoptera.[2]
Distribution[edit]
Ophiocordyceps myrmecophila has been noted as one of the more dominant entomopathogenic fungi of formicine ants in the tropical rainforests of Thailand.[2] 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[edit]
The new genus was separated recently from an 'outdated' entomopathogenic genus, Cordyceps, due to DNA analysis and phylogenetic differences in stromata and apices.[3]
References[edit]
Ophiocordyceps myrmecophila | |
|---|---|
 | Smooth hymenium |
 | No distinct cap |
 | Hymenium attachment is irregular or not applicable |
 | Stipe is bare |
 | Ecology is parasitic |
 | Edibility is unknown |
- ^ Arora, David (1979). Mushrooms demystified: a comprehensive guide to the fleshy fungi of the central California coast. Berkeley, Calif: Ten Speed Press. ISBN 978-0-89815-010-0.
- ^ a b Aung, O.M.; Soutong, K.; Hyde, K.D. (2008). "Diversity of entomopathogenic fungi in rainforests of Chiang Mai Province". Fungal Diversity (30): 15–22.
- ^ 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.