Ophiocordyceps myrmecophila

Ophiocordyceps myrmecophila
Scientific classification
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 myrmecophilaCes. Torrubia myrmecophila(Ces.) Tul. & C. Tul.

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]

Phylogeny

The new genus was separated recently from an 'outdated' entomopathogenic genus, Cordyceps , due to DNA analysis and phylogenetic differences in stromata and apices.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

Description

The ochraceous fruiting body, rising from an ant (which is sometimes buried), is up to 8 millimetres (3⁄8 in) wide and 9.5 centimetres (3+3⁄4 in) long. ^[1]

Distribution and habitat

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.

References

Ophiocordyceps myrmecophila
Mycological characteristics
	Smooth hymenium
	No distinct cap
	Hymenium attachment is irregular or not applicable
	Stipe is bare
	Ecology is parasitic
	Edibility is unknown

1. Arora, David (1986) [1979]. Mushrooms Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi (2nd ed.). Berkeley, California: Ten Speed Press. p. 881. ISBN   978-0-89815-170-1.
2. 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.