Polycephalomyces agaricus, a new hyperparasite of Ophiocordyceps sp infecting melolonthid larvae in southwestern China

A new species, Polycephalomyces agaricus, which is parasitic on Ophiocordyceps sp., a pathogen of melolonthid larvae in southwestern China, is described using morphological and phylogenetic evidence. This species differs morphologically from other species in the genus by its agaric-shaped synnemata, pileus-like slimy masses on short stipes, globose to subglobose alpha-conidia, and plenty of laterally or apically proliferating phialides. The phylogenetic analyses based on 5-locus (nrSSU, nrLSU, tef-1 alpha, rpb1, and rpb2) data strongly support that this fungus is a distinct species in the genus.