Ophiocordyceps myrmecophila

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 Edit this 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
  • Cordyceps myrmecophila Ces.
  • Torrubia myrmecophila (Ces.) Tul. & C. Tul.

Distribution

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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

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The new genus was separated recently from an 'outdated' entomopathogenic genus, Cordyceps, due to DNA analysis and phylogenetic differences in stromata and apices.[3]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

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Ophiocordyceps myrmecophila
 Smooth hymenium
 No distinct cap
 Hymenium attachment is irregular or not applicable
 Stipe is bare
 Ecology is parasitic
 Edibility is unknown
  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ 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.