Interesting Mycoparasites and Gen. Et Sp. Nov. (Hypocreales, Polycephalomycetaceae) from Yunnan Province, China

A novel genus, was introduced to accommodate , based on a multigene phylogenetic analysis and its distinct morphological characteristics. Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference analyses (BI) of ITS, SSU, LSU, , , and sequence data shown that formed an independent lineage nested between and . Morphologically, is distinguished from by the presence of a white subiculum on the stromata of Ophiocordycepscf.cochlidiicola. Perithecia are produced sporadically from the base to the apex of the stromata, and the secondary ascospores exhibit a notable length-to-width ratio. These characteristics distinguish from which exhibits tortuous, branched, clavate to cylindrical stromata with rhizomorphs, parasitism of coleopteran and hemipteran larvae, and colonizes a broader range of fungal hosts. Additionally, perithecia in typically arise from the middle to the upper regions of the stromata, with secondary ascospores displaying a comparatively lower length-to-width ratio. is morphologically identical to in its direct production of superficial perithecia on the stromata of species. However, the phylogenetic analysis indicates that and are not congeneric. Moreover, this study introduces another novel species, , and a novel sexual morph of . Dimorphic phialides and conidia of were observed and described for the first time based on a fresh collection from Tengchong County, Yunnan Province, China.