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]
| Ophiocordyceps myrmecophila | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Sordariomycetes |
| Order: | Hypocreales |
| Family: | Ophiocordycipitaceae |
| Genus: | Ophiocordyceps |
| Species: | O. myrmecophila
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| Binomial name | |
| Ophiocordyceps myrmecophila (Ces.) G.H. Sung, J.M. Sung, Hywel-Jones & Spatafora
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| Synonyms | |
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Distribution
editOphiocordyceps 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
editThe new genus was separated recently from an 'outdated' entomopathogenic genus, Cordyceps, due to DNA analysis and phylogenetic differences in stromata and apices.[3]
References
editOphiocordyceps 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.