Morphology and multilocus phylogeny support Exsiccatiomyces formicarium as a new fungal genus and species isolated from an ant carton nest in Yunnan, within Xenodevriesiaceae.
Key findings
- The isolate formed a distinct subclade sister to Xenodevriesia and showed diagnostic traits including thick-walled septate hyphae and chlamydospores, supporting description as a new genus and species.
Why this matters globally
The new taxon refines fungal evolutionary relationships and creates a basis for future ecological, genomic and biogeographic work.
Thai researcher contribution
Mae Fah Luang University researchers contributed integrative taxonomy and phylogenetic analysis within an Asian collaboration.
Limitations to consider
Evidence comes from limited material and locality. Taxonomic placement does not establish ecological function, prevalence, distribution or effects on the ant host.