Epitypification and re-description of the zombie-ant fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis (Ophiocordycipitaceae)

摘要

The type of ( , , ) is based on an immature specimen collected on an ant in Brazil. The host was identified initially as a leaf-cutting ant ( , Attini, Myrmicinae). However, a critical examination of the original illustration reveals that the host is the golden carpenter ant, (Camponotini, Formicinae). Because the holotype is no longer extant and the original diagnosis lacks critical taxonomic information – specifically, on ascus and ascospore morphology – a new type from Minas Gerais State of south-east Brazil is designated herein. A re-description of the fungus is provided and a new phylogenetic tree of the clade is presented. It is predicted that many more species of zombie-ant fungi remain to be delimited within the complex worldwide, on ants of the tribe Camponotini.