Mycological surveys in Northern Mindanao, Philippines, led to two proposed new species: Ophiocordyceps rogongonensis from cicada nymphs and O. xylostellae from diamondback moth. The descriptions integrate morphology with phylogenies from five loci.
Key findings
- O. rogongonensis was sister to O. hydrangea and distinguished by deep reddish-brown, chili-like slender stromata and characteristic spores. O. xylostellae formed a lineage sister to O. fenggangensis and differed in host, multiple short synnemata, acicular phialides, and mucous-sheathed conidia.
Why this matters globally
Tropical Southeast Asia retains underdocumented entomopathogenic fungal diversity. Vouchered names and multilocus sequences provide foundations for ecology, evolution, future bioprospecting, and evidence-based conservation.
Thai researcher contribution
A BIOTEC-NSTDA mycologist contributed Ophiocordyceps taxonomic and phylogenetic expertise in collaboration with Philippine and Danish teams. The field specimens, however, came from the Philippines, not Thailand.
Limitations to consider
The new taxa are based on collections from a limited survey area. Distribution, within-species variation, life cycle, and host specificity need further study. No evidence is provided for insect virulence, product-scale culture, safety, or bioactive compounds.
Verify the original sources
New Zealand Journal of BotanyRead the original article↗DOI: 10.1002/nzb2.70121