Morphological and Phylogenetic Characterization of Five Novel Nematode-Trapping Fungi (Orbiliomycetes) from Yunnan, China

Nematode-trapping fungi are widely studied due to their unique morphological structure, survival strategy, and potential value in the biological control of harmful nematodes. During the identification of carnivorous fungi preserved in our laboratory, five novel nematode-trapping fungi were established and placed in the genera Arthrobotrys and Drehslerella based on morphological and multigene (ITS, TEF, and RPB2) phylogenetic analyses. A. hengjiangensis sp. nov. and A. weixiensis sp. nov. are characterized by producing adhesive networks to catch nematodes. Dr. pengdangensis sp. nov., Dr. tianchiensis sp. nov., and Dr. yunlongensis sp. nov. are characterized by producing constricting rings. Morphological descriptions, illustrations, taxonomic notes, and phylogenetic analysis are provided for all new taxa; a key for Drechslerella species is listed; and some deficiencies in the taxonomy and evolution study of nematode-trapping fungi are also discussed herein.

Automated summary

Five novel nematode-trapping fungi belonging to the genera Arthrobotrys and Drehslerella were identified based on morphological and multigene phylogenetic analyses. Two species produce adhesive networks, while the other three produce constricting rings to capture nematodes. This study provides morphological descriptions, illustrations, taxonomic notes, and phylogenetic analysis for these new taxa, along with a key for Drechslerella species, and discusses deficiencies in the taxonomy and evolution study of nematode-trapping fungi.