Yunnan Fungi Survey Reveals Three Novel Species

Yunnan Province in southwestern China has long been recognized as a critical global biodiversity hotspot, harboring more than half of the country’s ecosystem diversity. Recent scientific efforts have focused on the region’s entomopathogenic fungi, organisms that parasitize insects and play significant roles in ecological balance. A new study published in MycoKeys details the discovery of three previously unknown fungal species during a comprehensive survey of these organisms. The researchers identified Ascopolyporus sinensis, Cordyceps anningensis, and Hypocrella umbilicata, each representing distinct taxonomic additions to the families Cordycipitaceae and Clavicipitaceae. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of fungal phylogeny and diversity in one of the world’s most biologically rich regions.

The identification of these new species relied on a rigorous combination of multigene phylogenetic analyses and detailed morphological characterization. The research team utilized a combined dataset comprising five genetic loci: the nuclear ribosomal small subunit (nrSSU), nuclear ribosomal large subunit (nrLSU), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef-1α), and the largest and second-largest subunits of RNA polymerase II (rpb1 and rpb2). This multi-locus approach provided a robust framework for determining the evolutionary relationships of the new taxa. By integrating molecular data with traditional microscopic observations, the scientists were able to clarify the taxonomic status of each species with high statistical confidence.

Ascopolyporus sinensis, named after its country of origin, presents a unique ecological profile within its genus. Phylogenetic analyses positioned this species at the base of the Ascopolyporus clade, indicating a distinct evolutionary lineage. Unlike other members of the genus, which are typically associated with scale insects on plant stems or midribs, A. sinensis was isolated from the stroma of M. puerensis on the underside of living dicotyledonous leaves. This habitat distinction marks a significant departure from the known ecological niches of its relatives. Morphologically, the species is characterized by the production of a pale purplish-pink pigment that diffuses into potato dextrose agar plates, a trait shared with A. griseoperitheciatus but distinguishable by its shorter phialides.

The second new species, Cordyceps anningensis, was discovered on pupae of Lepidoptera inside cocoons rolled in dry branches and fallen leaves in Anning City. The name honors the location of its discovery. Phylogenetically, C. anningensis clusters closely with C. sandindaengensis and C. locastrae, all of which share the ecological trait of parasitizing lepidopteran pupae. However, C. anningensis can be distinguished from these close relatives by specific morphological features. The synnemata, which are fungal structures that produce conidia, arise irregularly across the host body in C. anningensis, whereas they emerge from the upper part of the host in C. sandindaengensis. Additionally, the conidia of C. anningensis are smaller than those of C. locastrae, providing a clear diagnostic difference.

Hypocrella umbilicata, the third new species, belongs to the family Clavicipitaceae. The name refers to the distinctive navel-like depression and notch at the center of its pulvinate stromata. This morphological feature easily distinguishes it from closely related species such as H. calendulina and H. limushanensis, which lack this central depression. The stromata of H. umbilicata are yellow to pale brown, contrasting with the vivid marigold-orange color of H. calendulina. The species was found on whiteflies on the underside of living leaves, further expanding the documented host range and geographical distribution of the genus Hypocrella in subtropical ecosystems.

The methodology employed in this study involved careful collection and isolation of fungal specimens from various sites in Yunnan, including Centipede Mountain and Lianhuatang Village. Samples were stored at 4 degrees Celsius and transported to the laboratory for processing. Fungal isolation from sexual specimens involved treating stromata with hydrogen peroxide and rinsing them with sterilized water before inoculating onto potato dextrose agar plates. For asexual specimens, conidia were streaked onto plates containing chloramphenicol to inhibit bacterial growth. Pure cultures were then deposited in the Cryptogamic Herbarium and the Culture Collection at the Kunming Institute of Botany, ensuring the preservation of type material for future research.

Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using both Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods to ensure the robustness of the results. The combined five-gene dataset consisted of 5,028 base pairs across 141 taxa, including six newly generated sequences and 135 sequences downloaded from GenBank. The analyses revealed that the new species formed distinct, well-supported clades within their respective genera. For instance, A. sinensis formed an independent clade with high bootstrap and posterior probability support, confirming its status as a separate species. Similarly, C. anningensis and H. umbilicata clustered into monophyletic groups, validating their taxonomic placement based on molecular evidence.

The discovery of these three species highlights the ongoing importance of systematic surveys in biodiversity hotspots like Yunnan. Entomopathogenic fungi have a broad host range, colonizing invertebrates from more than 10 orders, and play crucial roles in regulating insect populations. The genus Cordyceps, in particular, is of significant interest due to the edible and medicinal value of some of its species. Understanding the diversity and phylogeny of these fungi is essential for the sustainable development and utilization of their resources. The findings from this study add to the growing body of knowledge about fungal diversity in China, emphasizing the need for continued exploration and documentation of understudied taxa.

In conclusion, the identification of Ascopolyporus sinensis, Cordyceps anningensis, and Hypocrella umbilicata represents a significant contribution to mycological science. The use of multigene phylogenetic analyses combined with detailed morphological descriptions provides a solid foundation for the classification of these new species. The unique ecological and morphological characteristics of each taxon offer insights into the evolutionary dynamics of entomopathogenic fungi in Yunnan. As research continues to uncover new species in this biodiversity hotspot, the integration of molecular and traditional taxonomic methods remains a vital tool for understanding the complex relationships within fungal communities. These discoveries not only expand the known diversity of Cordycipitaceae and Clavicipitaceae but also underscore the rich, yet underexplored, fungal heritage of southwestern China.

Subject of Research: Discovery of three new entomopathogenic fungal species in Yunnan, China

Article Title: Three new species in Cordycipitaceae and Clavicipitaceae ( Hypocreales , Ascomycota ) from Yunnan, China

Article References: Wang, Z.-Q., Wang, Z.-H., Zhang, Y.-X., Song, Q., Shao, W.-Y., Li, W.-L., & Wang, Y.-B. (2026). Three new species in Cordycipitaceae and Clavicipitaceae (Hypocreales, Ascomycota) from Yunnan, China. MycoKeys, 137, 257-272. https://doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.137.195207

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.137.195207

Keywords: mycology, fungal taxonomy, Yunnan biodiversity, entomopathogenic fungi, phylogenetics, Cordycipitaceae, Clavicipitaceae, species discovery, Three, species, Hypocreales, Ascomycota