A phylogenetic assessment of <i>Akanthomyces sensu lato</i> in <i>Cordycipitaceae</i> (<i>Hypocreales, Sordariomycetes</i>): introduction of new genera, and the resurrection of <i>Lecanicillium</i>

Abstract

During entomopathogenic fungal surveys conducted in Thailand, 15 specimens tentatively classified under <i>Akanthomyces sensu lato</i> were identified. To gain a comprehensive understanding of their taxonomy, molecular phylogenies using combined LSU, <i>TEF1</i>, <i>RPB1</i>, and <i>RPB2</i> sequence data, together with morphological examination of several <i>Akanthomyces</i> spp. from previous studies were conducted. The analyses revealed distinct clades representing independent lineages within the <i>Cordycipitaceae</i>. These clades were further characterized by different asexual morph types and the respective hosts they parasitize. In this context, we resurrected the genus <i>Lecanicillium</i> to accommodate 12 known species previously classified under <i>Akanthomyces sensu lato</i>, found on diverse hosts. We propose four new genera - <i>Corniculantispora</i>, <i>Corpulentispora</i>, <i>Zarea</i>, and <i>Zouia -</i> from species previously identified as <i>Lecanicillium</i>. Notably, certain <i>Akanthomyces</i> species associated with spiders and parasitic on <i>Ophiocordyceps sinensis</i> were reclassified into the new genera <i>Arachnidicola</i> and <i>Kanoksria</i>, respectively. Moreover, we introduce four novel species in <i>Akanthomyces sensu stricto</i> found across a diverse range of moth families: <i>Ak. buriramensis</i>, <i>Ak. fusiformis</i>, <i>Ak. niveus</i>, and <i>Ak. phariformis</i>. Additionally, we provide descriptions and illustrations of the sexual morph linked to <i>Ak. laosensis</i> and <i>Ak. pseudonoctuidarum</i>, along with a second type of synnemata seen in <i>Ak. noctuidarum</i> and <i>Ak. pseudonoctuidarum</i>. To assist with their identification, keys to the genera <i>Akanthomyces</i>, <i>Arachnidicola</i>, and <i>Lecanicillium</i> are provided, but should not be used to replace molecular identification. <b>Citation:</b> Khonsanit A, Thanakitpipattana D, Mongkolsamrit S, Kobmoo N, Phosrithong N, Samson RA, Crous PW, Luangsa-ard JJ (2024). A phylogenetic assessment of <i>Akanthomyces sensu lato</i> in <i>Cordycipitaceae</i> (<i>Hypocreales</i>, <i>Sordariomycetes</i>): introduction of new genera, and the resurrection of <i>Lecanicillium</i>. <i>Fungal Systematics and Evolution</i> <b>14</b>: 271-305. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2024.14.17.