Ophiocordyceps nutans is an entomopathogenic fungus belonging to the order Hypocreales (Ascomycota) in the family Ophiocordycipitaceae.[1] O. nutans only parasitizes Hemipterans, namely stinkbugs.[2] In Korea, O. nutans is one of the most common species of Cordyceps.[2] O. nutans, as well as other Cordyceps species, are mainly classified morphologically by their colour, fruit body shape, and host insect species.[1] Stinkbugs cause considerable damage to agriculture and forestry, and the anamorph of O. nutans, Hymenostilbe nutans, is a potential selective biological control agent against the stinkbugs.[1]

Ophiocordyceps nutans
Ophiocordyceps nutans in the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, Thailand
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Sordariomycetes
Order: Hypocreales
Family: Ophiocordycipitaceae
Genus: Ophiocordyceps
Species:
O. nutans
Binomial name
Ophiocordyceps nutans
(Pat.)
Synonyms

Cordyceps nutans Pat., Bull. 1887
Cordyceps bicephala subsp. nutans (Pat.) Moureau 1949

Distribution

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Ophiocordyceps nutans is found in the tropical forest regions of: Japan, Taiwan, China, New Guinea, and Korea, as well as other places.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Fumito Sasaki; Toshizumi Miyamoto; Aki Yamamoto; Yutaka Tamai & Takashi Yajima (2008). "Morphological and genetic characteristics of the entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps nutans and its host insects". Mycological Research. 112 (10): 1241–1244. doi:10.1016/j.mycres.2008.04.008. PMID 18693103.
  2. ^ a b c Fumito Sasaki; Toshizumi Miyamoto; Aki Yamamoto; Yutaka Tamai & Takashi Yajima (2012). "Relationship between intraspecific variations and host insects of Ophiocordyceps nutans collected in Japan". Mycoscience. 53 (2): 85–91. doi:10.1007/s10267-011-0137-0. S2CID 84801649.