Molecular phylogeny and morphology reveal two new species and one new record of Ophiocordyceps (Ophiocordycipitaceae, Hypocreales) parasitic on Hymenoptera in China

Abstract

Abstract Two novel species, Ophiocordyceps yuanyangensis and O. gotrae, along with a new record, O. cylindrospora, parasitic on hymenopteran hosts, were collected in Yunnan, China. Morphological observations and multi-gene (nrSSU, nrLSU, tef-1α, rpb1, and rpb2) phylogenetic analyses confirmed their placement in the Hymenostilbe clade within the genus Ophiocordyceps. When compared with closely related species, O. gotrae is distinguished by a smaller fertile head and shorter asci, whereas O. yuanyangensis shows smaller fertile parts and asci but larger perithecia and part-spores. Phylogenetic evidence supports their recognition as distinct taxa. To date, 24 species in the Hymenostilbe clade have been reported parasitizing Hymenoptera. This study enriches the species diversity of the Hymenostilbe clade and highlights the importance of integrating morphological and molecular data for accurate taxonomic identification.