Ophiocordyceps tettigonia T.C. Wen, Y.P. Xiao & K. D. Hyde, 2016

Wen, Ting-Chi, Xiao, Yuan-Pin, Zha, Ling-Sheng, Hyde, Kevin D. & Kang, Ji-Chuan, 2016, Multigene phylogeny and morphology reveal a new species, Ophiocordyceps tettigonia, from Guizhou Province, China, Phytotaxa 280 (2), pp. 141-151 : 146-148

Ophiocordyceps tettigonia T.C. Wen, Y.P. Xiao & K. D. Hyde , sp. nov. ( Fig. 2 )

Index Fungorum number: IF551451; Facesoffungi number: FoF01020.

Differs from related Ophiocordyceps species mainly by its unique host, and wide secondary ascospores. Type:— CHINA. Guizhou Province: Chishui City, Shizhangdong scenic spot, Chishui Danxia natural world heritage site, on adult of Tettigonia in the soil, 9 June 2014, Ting-Chi Wen CS14062709 (GZUHCS14062709, holotype).

Parasitic on an adult of Tettigonia . Host covered with white, dense mycelium, substratum buried in the soil, red to red-brown. Sexual morph: Stromata 35–40 mm long, 2–2.5 mm wide, growing from the head, with two branches. Stipe 32.5–37.5 mm long, 2 mm wide, flexuous, white. Fertile head 2–2.5 mm wide, globose, differentiated from stipe. Ascomata 520–680 × 205–275 μm (x = 599 × 242, n = 30), completely immersed, elongated or ampuliform, with the ostioles opening on the surface of the head. Peridium 22.8–35.0 μm (x = 28.9, n = 30) wide, comprised of three layers. Asci 530–615 × 6.5–9.3 μm (x = 573.3 × 7.9, n = 30), 8-spored, hyaline, cylindrical, possessing a prominent apical cap. Apical cap 3.9–4.8 μm wide (x = 4.35, n = 30). Ascospores 350–465 × 1.5–2.2 μm (x = 407 × 1.8, n = 60), fasciculate, thread-like, slender and long, breaking into secondary ascospores when mature. Secondary ascospores 6.7–9.4 × 1.5–2.3 μm (x = 8.1 × 1.9, n = 60), hyaline, cylindrical. Asexual morph: Undetermined.

Etymology:— Refers to the unique host insect, Tettigonia .

Distribution:— Chishui City, Guizhou Province, China.

Host:— On adult of Tettigonia living in the soil.

Figures

FIGURE 2. Ophiocordyceps tettigonia (holotype). a. Overview of stromata and the host. b. Pale, superficial ascomata on stroma. c. Cross section showing the complete stroma and perithecia. d–f. Sections of ascomata. g, h. Part of peridium. i–k. Asci. l. Ascus with apical cap. m. Ascus with apical cap stained by iodine solution. n. Ascus stained by iodine solution. o. Secondary ascospores. p. Secondary ascospores stained by iodine solution. Scale bars: d = 1000 μm, e, f = 200 μm, g, h = 30 μm, i–k = 100 μm, l, m, o, p = 10 μm, n = 20 μm.