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Submitted 28 August 2018, Accepted 8 November 2018, Published 27 November 2018
Corresponding Author: Walter Rossi – e-mail – valter.rossi@univaq.it 1151
New species and new records of Laboulbeniales (Ascomycota) from
Thailand
Rossi W and Bernardi M
Sect. Environmental Sciences, Dept. MeSVA, University of L’Aquila, 67100 Coppito (AQ), Italy
Rossi W, Bernardi M 2018 – New species and new records of Laboulbeniales (Ascomycota) from
Thailand. Mycosphere 9(6), 1151–1172, Doi 10.5943/mycosphere/9/6/6
Abstract
Eight new species of Laboulbeniales (Ascomycota) are described. These are Corethromyces
fuscoramosus, parasitic on Medon sp. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae); Eucantharomyces ferreroi,
parasitic on Pogonoglossus sp. (Coleoptera, Carabidae); Euphoriomyces rugosus, parasitic on
Agathidium sp. (Coleoptera, Leiodidae); Kyphomyces siamensis, parasitic on Holotrochus sp.
(Staphylinidae); Rickia cifoneae, parasitic on Melisia spp. (Acarina, Canestriniidae);
Stigmatomyces coronatus, parasitic on Ochthera sp. (Diptera, Ephydridae); Teratomyces
cylindrocarpus, parasitic on Diochus sp. (Staphylinidae); Zeugandromyces assingii, parasitic on
Neosclerus areolatus (Staphylinidae). Twenty-nine species are reported for the first time from
Thailand, 5 of which are new for the whole Asian continent and 8 are recorded for the first time
after description. A new synonymy is established: Stigmatomyces subcircinalis Thaxt. 1931 = S.
tortilis Thaxt. 1918.
Key words – 8 new species – Ectoparasitic fungi – Indochina – Mites – Laboulbeniomycetes –
Taxonomy
Introduction
The first records of Laboulbeniales from Thailand are more than one hundred years old.
These are two species of Laboulbenia (L. orectochili Thaxt. and L. proliferans Thaxt.) reported by
Roland Thaxter in the second part of his huge monograph, in 1908. A third species was added only
after 72 years, i.e. Arthrorhynchus eucampsipodae Thaxt. (Blackwell 1980). Other 30 species were
reported and illustrated a few years later in a large paper by Sugiyama & Panichapol (1984).
Actually, the new records were 28 because one of the latter species, Laboulbenia proliferans, was
already reported by Thaxter and another, Chitonomyces chungii Thaxt., was later considered a
synonym of C. backeri Thaxt. (Santamaria 2001). Moreover, in this same paper a few species were
misidentified and later corrected: Chitonomyces manubriolatus Thaxt. to C. spinosus Thaxt.
(Santamaria 2001), Laboulbenia tachyis Thaxt. to L. egens Speg. (Santamaria et al. 1991), and
Zodiomyces subseriatus Thaxt. to Z. vorticellarius Thaxt. (Santamaria 2004). Another correction is
needed: the parasites on Morion sp. were identified as Laboulbenia morionis Thaxt., but Fig. 7E
clearly illustrates another species, likely related to L. papuana Thaxt.
After the paper by Sugiyama and Panichapol the number of Laboulbeniales from Thailand
increased by five species: Laboulbenia gratiellae W. Rossi (Rossi 1987); Stigmatomyces rugosus
Thaxt. (Rossi 1988); Laboulbenia clivinalis Thaxt. (Santamaria et al. 1991); Botryandromyces
heteroceri (Maire) I. I. Tav. et T. Majewski (Santamaria & Rossi 1999); Stigmatomyces
Mycosphere 9(6): 1151–1172 (2018) www.mycosphere.org ISSN 2077 7019
Article
Doi 10.5943/mycosphere/9/6/6
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limnophorae Thaxt. (Rossi et al. 2013). Therefore, to date the total number of recorded species is 36 (Table 1).
In the present paper eight new species are described and other 29 are reported for the first time from Thailand, 5 of which are new for the whole
Asian continent. The numerous new findings, which redouble the number of Siamese Laboulbeniales, made it possible to better define the
geographical distribution and the taxonomic position of several species. A new synonymy is also established: Stigmatomyces subcircinalis Thaxt. 1931
= S. tortilis Thaxt. 1918.
Table 1 Laboulbeniales recorded from Thailand before the present paper.
Fungus species
Host family
Host insect
Bibliography
Arthrorhynchus eucampsipodae Thaxt.
Nycteribiidae
Eucampsipoda inermis Theodor
Blackwell 1980
Autoicomyces falcifer (Thaxt.) Thaxt.
Hydrophilidae
Regimbartia attenuata (Fabricius)
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Autoicomyces helocharalis Thaxt.
Hydrophilidae
Helochares lentus Sharp
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Autoicomyces siamensis K. Sugiyama et Phanich.
Hydrophilidae
Regimbartia attenuata (Fabricius)
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Botryandromyces heteroceri (Maire) I.I.Tav. et T. Majewski
Hetroceridae
Augyles gabriellae (Mascagni)
Santamaria & Rossi 1999
Chitonomyces bakeri Thaxt.
= C. chungii Thaxt.
Dytiscidae
Laccophilus parvulus obtusus
Sharp
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984,
Santamaria 2001
Chitonomyces chinensis Thaxt.
Dytiscidae
Laccophilus spp.
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Chitonomyces japanensis Thaxt.
Dytiscidae
Laccophilus siamensis Sharp
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Chitonomyces javanicus Thaxt.
Dytiscidae
Laccophilus spp.
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Chitonomyces ordinatus Thaxt.
Dytiscidae
Laccophilus spp.
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Chitonomyces paradoxus (Peyritsch) Thaxt.
Dytiscidae
Laccophilus spp.
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Chitonomyces rugosus Thaxt.
Dytiscidae
Copelatus tenebrosus Régimbart
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Chitonomyces spinosus Thaxt.
(sub C. manubriolatus Thaxt.)
Dytiscidae
Laccophilus spp.
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Santamaria 2001
Chitonomyces thaxteri Speg.
Dytiscidae
Laccophilus parvulus obtusus
Sharp
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Chitonomyces zonatus Thaxt.
Dytiscidae
Laccophilus parvulus obtusus
Sharp
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Dimeromyces cherrhonesites Balazuc
Tenebrionidae
Ceropria sp.
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Dimeromyces oscinomalis Thaxt.
Chloropidae
gen. sp.
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Enarthromyces indicus Thaxt.
Carabidae
Pheropsophus siamensis Chaudoir
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Laboulbenia anoplogenii Thaxt.
Carabidae
Egadroma quinquepustulatus
Wiedeman
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Laboulbenia catascopi Thaxt.
Carabidae
Catascopus fuscoaeneus Chaudoir
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Laboulbenia celestialis Thaxt.
Carabidae
Desera geniculata Klug
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
1153
Table 1 Continued.
Fungus species
Host family
Host insect
Bibliography
Laboulbenia clivinalis Thaxt.
Carabidae
Clivina clivinoides Schmidt-
Goebel
Santamaria et al. 1991
Laboulbenia egens Speg.
(sub L. tachyis Thaxt.)
Carabidae
Tachys (Tachyura) poecilopserus
Bates
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Laboulbenia gratiellae W. Rossi
Diopsidae
Cyrtodiopsis currani Shillito
Rossi 1987
Laboulbenia idiostoma Thaxt.
Chrysomelidae
Altica sp.
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Laboulbenia kunckelii (Giard) Thaxt.
Carabidae
Mormolice phyllodes Hagenbach
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Laboulbenia orectochili Thaxt.
Gyrinidae
Orectochilus semivestitus Guérin-
Menev.
Thaxter 1908
Laboulbenia sp. (near papuana Thaxt.)
(sub Laboulbenia morionis Thaxt.)
Carabidae
Morion sp.
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Laboulbenia pheropsophi Thaxt.
Carabidae
Pheropsophus siamensis Chaudoir
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Laboulbenia proliferans Thaxt.
Carabidae
Craspedophorus sublaevis
(Chaudoir)
Chlaenius ducalis Chaudoir
Thaxter 1908
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Rhynchophoromyces denticulatus (Thaxt.) Thaxt.
Hydrophilidae
Helochares pallens (MacLeay)
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Rhynchophoromyces rostratus (Thaxt.) Thaxt.
Hydrophilidae
Enochrus spp.
Helochares pallens (MacLeay)
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Rickia eumorphi Thaxt.
Endomychidae
Eumorphus spp.
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Stigmatomyces limnophorae Thaxt.
Muscidae
Heliographa ceylanica Emden
Rossi et al. 2013
Stigmatomyces rugosus Thaxt.
Ephydridae
Psilopa sp.
Rossi 1988
Zodiomyces vorticellarius Thaxt.
(sub Z. subseriatus Thaxt.)
Hydrophilidae
Helochares lentus Sharp
Sugiyama & Phanichapol 1984
Santamaria 2004
Materials & Methods
Most of the insects bearing Laboulbeniales were collected with the techniques usually utilized by entomologists (entomological net, sweeping
net, aspirator, light trap) during three short journeys in Northern Thailand carried out by the authors (together or individually) in 2004, 2016 and 2017.
Collected insects were placed in 96% ethyl alcohol in the field (75% in the journey of 2004) for transport to the laboratory, where they were carefully
examined with a dissecting microscope. A few insects bearing Laboulbeniales reported in the present paper were obtained from museums or single
entomologists. Fungi were removed from the hosts by means of an entomological pin (#3) and permanent slides were prepared following the method
described by Rossi & Santamaria (2015). Holotypes are deposited in the Botanical Museum of Florence (FI); the other slides are temporarily
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preserved in the collection of the first author, which will be also deposited in the Botanical Museum
of Florence. The host insects were sent for identification to the entomologists listed in the
Acknowledgements and are preserved in their collections.
Photomicrographs were made with a Jenoptik ProgRes 10 Plus digital camera on a Leica
DMR microscope equipped with differential interference contrast optics (DIC).
Results
New species
Corethromyces fuscoramosus W. Rossi & Bernardi, sp. nov. Fig. 1
MycoBank: MB828122
Etymology – From Latin fuscus (=dark), and ramosus (=branched).
Basal cell (cell I) hyaline, about as long as broad, with the dorsal margin usually convex.
Suprabasal cell (cell II) very dark brown, distinctly shorter than the basal, irregularly pentagonal.
Stalk-cell of the appendage (cell III) blackish brown except in its inner, upper angle, distinctly
broader than long. Axis of the appendage blackish brown except the almost hyaline inner margin,
the dark tinge continuous with that of cells II and III, bearing a dense tuft of branches almost
reaching (rarely exceeding) the perithecial apex, most of which are thick, straight and dark brown,
but the more internal ones (close to the perithecium) are slender, flexuous and hyaline. Stalk-cell of
the perithecium (cell VI) rather stocky, gradually enlarging and fading from a dark, narrow base.
Secondary stalk-cell (cell VII) and basal cells of the perithecium yellowish and subequal.
Perithecium yellowish, broadly fusiform, tapering distally to a conical tip and a blunt apex. Length
from foot to perithecial apex 155–195 µm; perithecium (without basal cells) 95–105 25–30 µm;
length from foot to tip of longest appendages 165 µm.
Material examined – THAILAND, Ciang Mai prov., Doi Suthep, nature trail Phalad, 29 Nov
2004, W. Rossi, on the distal portion of the abdomen of Medon sp. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae), FI
WR 3929, holotype. Seven mature and other 13 thalli at various stages of development have been
observed.
Notes – The new species is clearly allied to Coretromyces medonis Thaxt., described on
Medon spp. from Java and Borneo (Thaxter 1931). The most striking differences are in the shape,
length, number and color of the branches of the appendages, which in C. medonis are slenderer,
shorter, fewer and all hyaline. Moreover, in the latter species the suprabasal cell (cell II) is
distinctly taller than the basal.
Eucantharomyces ferreroi W. Rossi & Bernardi, sp. nov. Fig. 2
MycoBank: MB828123
Etymology – Named after Franco Ferrero, for his invaluable help during our more recent
stays in Thailand.
Thallus colored reddish orange, with darker basal cell of the antheridium and cell VII. Basal
cell of the receptacle (cell I) distinctly longer and more slender than the suprabasal cell (cell II),
overlapping the cuneate base of cell VI for almost half of its length. Basal cell of the appendage
(cell III) broadly triangular, twice as long, or more, than maximum width, separated from cell II by
a very oblique septum. Basal cell of the compound antheridium quadriangular, slightly wider than
long, the marginal cell overlapping its upper half. Antheridial cells arranged in 7(8) oblique lines.
Discharge tube long, slender, faintly sigmoid to almost straight. Terminal spine-like process (spore
apex) conspicuous. Stalk cell of the perithecium (cell VI) relatively short, with the lower portion
distinctly tapered and deeply inserted between the upper portions of cells I and III. Basal cells of
the perithecium small. Perithecium elongate, longer than the rest of the thallus, slightly inflated
near the base, gradually tapering without abrupt transition to a dome-shaped apex. Length from foot
to perithecial apex 520–545 µm; from foot to tip of discharge tube 260–270 µm; perithecium 300–
330 70–75 µm.
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Material examined – THAILAND, Betong, April 1993, Strand, on the elytra of
Pogonoglossus sp. (Coleoptera, Carabidae), FI WR1909, holotype. Ten mature and 9 immature
thalli have been observed.
Notes – This new species is distinguished from all the other 29 described thus far in the same
genus for cell VI deeply inserted between cells I and III. Moreover, only three previously described
species have seven or more rows of antheridial cells inside the compound antheridium. These are
Eucantharomyces basilewskii W. Rossi et Cesari, E. japonicus K. Sugiyama, and E. obae K.
Sugiyama. Among the latter species, the first, parasitic on Zuphium spp. from Africa, is further
distinguished by a stockier perithecium and a much shorter marginal cell of the antheridium (Rossi
& Cesari Rossi 1977). The second, parasitic on Planetes punctaticeps Andrews from Japan, by a
stockier perithecium and longer marginal and basal cells of the antheridium (Sugiyama 1978b). The
third, parasitic on Agonum sp. from Pakistan, was unfortunately described upon a single and,
apparently, not fully mature thallus: however, it bears a longer marginal cell of the antheridium, a
much shorter basal cell of the same, and a shorter cell III (Sugiyama 1981b).
Euphoriomyces rugosus W. Rossi & Bernardi, sp. nov. Figs 3, 4
MycoBank: MB828124
Etymology – From Latin = wrinkled, because of the wrinkled surface of the side of the thallus
laying on the insect.
Thalli usually paired, with a hyaline perithecium and pale yellowish receptacle. Axis of the
receptacle continuing with the primary appendage, the whole series consisting of 11-12 cells
distinctly broader than long, except the basal, which is longer and slightly tapering to the foot. One
or (rarely) two cells below the perithecium are divided by a vertical septum separating a sterile
hemispherical cell. Perithecium single, originating laterally from the 4th, 5th or 6th cell of the series
on a short stalk curving upwards; perithecium body about four times longer than broad (with basal
cells), asymmetrical, with the side facing the host-insect flattened, the opposite convex, tapering to
a broadly conical tip bent upwards, ending in very unequal lips, the upper of which is much larger
and bears a small tooth-like upgrowth. Length from foot to perithecial apex 100–112 µm; longest
branchlet of appendages 70 µm; perithecium 43–60 14–17 µm.
Material examined – THAILAND, Ciang Rai prov., Wiang Pa Pao district, near Huay Nam
Guen, about 1250 m, 19°07’40”N, 99°19’42”E, 22–23 Feb 2017, M. Bernardi & W. Rossi, on the
elytra of a female specimen of Agathidium (A.) cf. newari Angelini & De Marzo (Coleoptera,
Leiodidae), FI WR4233a, holotype. Six mature and 12 thalli at various stages of development have
been observed.
Notes – The thalli of the new species lay flat on the surface of the host-insect, with the
perithecial tip pointing upwards, although it appears oriented laterally when compressed by the
cover slip in the slide-mounts. The receptacle is very peculiar: the surface of the side in contact
with the insect bears conspicuous, transverse, wavy wrinkles (Fig. 4), while the opposite side is
smooth (Fig. 3). This characteristics, together with the shape of the perithecial tip, distinguish the
new species from all the others in the same genus.
It is not unusual that Laboulbeniales lay flat on the host-insect with their thallus, but with the
perithecial tip pointing upwards to facilitate the transmission of the sticky spores during contacts
with other insects. For example, this was observed also in Dimeromyces perettiorum W. Rossi,
Bernardi et J. A. Torres (Rossi et al. 2015). In the latter species the same result is obtained with the
whole perithecium curving upwards, not only the tip, and there is no detectable difference between
the two sides of the thallus.
Kyphomyces siamensis W. Rossi & Bernardi, sp. nov. Fig. 5
MycoBank: MB828125
Etymology – From Siam, the name of the country until 1949.
Thallus hyaline, except for the lower portion of the lower cell of the receptacle, which is
brownish. Receptacle hardly reaching the base of the perithecium, consisting of (11)14–19 cells, of
1156
which the lower is broadly triangular, the others shorter than broad but rarely flattened, the
subterminal subquadrate when not split into two cells, the uppermost elliptical, with the longer axis
horizontal. Stalk cell of the perithecium irregularly quadrangular or pentagonal, about as long as
broad or slightly shorter than broad. Perithecial basal cell conspicuous and persistent. Accessory
cell hardly reaching one third of the length of the perithecium. The latter relatively small, with the
venter slightly inflated, tapering without abrupt transition to a stocky neck and the hardly
distinguished tip and apex. Length from foot to perithecial apex (140)220–290 µm; perithecium
63–95 10–12 µm.
Material examined – THAILAND, Ciang Rai prov., Wiang Pa Pao district, Huay Nam Guen,
about 1250 m, 19°07’40”N, 99°19’42”E, 26–28 Oct 2016, W. Rossi, on various ventral parts of
Holotrochus sp. (Staphylinidae, Osoriinae), FI WR4196a, holotype.
Notes – The characteristic that distinguishes the new species from most of the others in the
same genus is the shape of the perithecium: in Kyphomyces siamensis the latter has the distal
portion rather stocky and not well distinguished from the basal portion. Among the previously
described species, the only one bearing a perithecium with a similar shape is K. rhizophorus Thaxt.,
parasitic on Rugilus (sub Stilicus) ceylanensis (Kraatz) from Sumatra. The latter fungus, however,
has a much shorter receptacle consisting of only 6–7 cells and it is also the only one in the genus
Kyphomyces bearing at the base two elongate outgrowths likely working as buffer organs (Thaxter
1931). The absence of perithecial outgrowths and of a blackish outgrowth from the foot, the shape
and number of cells forming the receptacle, and the axis hardly reaching the base of the perithecium
further distinguish K. siamensis from the other species.
Rickia cifoneae W. Rossi & Bernardi, sp. nov. Fig. 6
MycoBank: MB828126
Etymology – Named after Prof. Maria Grazia Cifone for her support to our research in
Thailand.
Receptacle triseriate. Basal cell hyaline to light brown, distinctly longer than broad, extending
upwards between the basal cells of the marginal series. Anterior series consisting of 7–10 (more
frequently 8) hyaline and flattened cells, each bearing an appendiculate cell, ending at the base of
the perithecium, with which its outer margin is continuous. Median series reaching the base of the
perithecial tip, consisting of 16–20 cells, of which the lower 5–6 are larger and dark brown but not
opaque, the others gradually smaller and paler, the 3–4 distal ones hyaline and appendiculate,
extending beyond the posterior series. The latter composed of 18-20 hyaline and gradually smaller
cells, each bearing an appendiculate cell. Bicellular base of the primary appendage conspicuous,
oblong, with the lower cell almost entirely blackened and the upper hyaline, contrasting.
Appendages rounded, subtended by a dark brown, cup-shaped base. Antheridia absent. Perithecium
brown, with a blackish tip and translucent apex, its outer margin wholly free, while on the inner
side the tip only is free; the latter is distinctly outcurved, forming and angle of about 90° with the
perithecial venter. Length from foot to the apex of the primary appendage 76–142 µm; perithecium
63–54 24–25 µm.
Material examined – THAILAND, Chiang Rai prov., Wiang Pa Pao district, Huay Nam
Guen, about 1250 m, 19°07’40”N, 99°19’42”E, light trap, 26–28 Oct 2016, W. Rossi, on Melisia
cf. superba Summers (Acarina, Canestriniidae) associated with Eupatorus gracilicornis Arrow
(Scarabaeidae), FI WR4163, holotype; same data as the type, nos. 4162, 4164. INDONESIA, Java,
15 January 1933, local collector, on a few specimens of Melisia sp. found under the elytra of
Aceraius grandis (Burmeister) (Passalidae) preserved in the Museo Civico di Zoologia in Rome
(MCZR), slide VV297/WR; same data, VV411/WR; same data, 20 July 1933, VV396/WR.
Notes – The new species is related with Rickia berlesiana and R. elegans Thaxt., which
however have the lower cells of the median series wholly opaque, the perithecial tip erect (R.
berlesiana) or slightly bent outwards (R. elegans), the appendages elongate, and the base of the
primary appendage distinctly slenderer (Thaxter 1926).
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Figures 1–6 – 1 Coretromyces fuscoramosus. 2 Eucantharomyces ferreroi. 3,4 Euphoriomyces
rugosus. 5 Kyphomyces siamensis. 6 Rickia cifoneae. Bars = 50 µm.
Stigmatomyces coronatus W. Rossi & Bernardi, sp. nov. Fig. 7
MycoBank: MB828127
Etymology – From Latin: crowned, because of the outgrowth forming a crown at the apex of
the perithecium.
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Venter of perithecium and lower cell of the free appendage rusty red, quite dark in older
specimens; the rest of the fungus is unequally colored with diluted reddish brown. Receptacle
nearly isodiametric, with the suprabasal longer and distally slightly broader than the lower portion
of the stalk-cells region. Stalk cell of the appendage rather short and stout. Axis of the free
appendage consisting of five, gradually smaller cells, each bearing a pair of relatively large
antheridia on the upper, inner angle, except the uppermost, which bears apically a third spinose
antheridium, the spine being slender and straight. Stalk-cell of the perithecium small and
subriangular; the two external cells above it distinctly prominent. Perithecial venter about twice as
long as broad, slightly and symmetrically inflated, its surface granular to verruculose; the straight
and elongate perithecial neck distinctly paler and slightly shorter than the venter, with a spreading
base, rather abruptly inflated below the junction with the tip; the latter narrower, with nearly
straight margins, abruptly tapered above; the apex consists of a “crown” of four elongate, subequal,
symmetrically spreading outgrowths surrounding two small, very unequal projections, the longer of
which is strongly curved. Total length 270–475 µm; perithecial venter 70–125 35–70 µm;
perithecial neck 75–115 µm; free appendage 65–90 µm; ascospores 43 µm.
Material examined – THAILAND, Chiang Mai prov., swamp at km 42 along the road no.118
to Chiang Rai, 27 Nov 2004, W. Rossi, on tergites of a female specimen of Ochthera sp. (Diptera,
Ephydridae), FI WR3468, holotype. Twenty-seven mature and 19 immature thalli have been
examined.
Notes – The very peculiar apex of perithecium makes Stigmatomyces coronatus
distinguishable at first sight from any other known species in the same genus. As to the other
parasites on flies of the genus Ochthera, the only one with a granulose surface of the perithecium is
S. longimasculus W. Rossi & Leonardi (2013), which is however different in almost any other
morphological character. The new species might be allied to S. gracilis Thaxt., which has the free
appendage with a similar structure and a conspicuous inflation at the junction of the perithecial
neck with the tip, but the latter species, among other differences, lacks the apical outgrowths and
the granulosity of the perithecium, and has the spine of the appendage much larger and distinctly
curved (Thaxter 1908, plate XLVI, Figs 15–18).
Teratomyces cylindrocarpus W. Rossi & Bernardi, sp. nov. Fig. 8
MycoBank: MB828128
Etymology – For the almost cylindrical perithecium.
Receptacle translucent pale brown, consisting of three superimposed cells of about the same
length but gradually enlarged from below upwards; on the basal cell is sometimes present a dark
brown blotch. Appendiculate cells concolorous with the cells of the receptacle. Appendages
spreading in a relatively small and loose tuft, each consisting of a dark brown, long, distally curved
outwards basal cells bearing in a single row hyaline sterile branchlets, which are longer in the upper
portion. Stalk cell of the perithecium almost hyaline, relatively short and stocky. Basal cells of the
perithecium relatively large, concolorous and hardly distinguished from the perithecial body but
separated from the stalk cell below by a distinct constriction. Perithecium single, tinged with pale
reddish brown, subcylindrical, very long and slender, straight or faintly curved, the tip slightly
narrower and slightly tapering to the blunt apex. Length from foot to perithecial apex 300–405 µm;
perithecium (without basal cells) 160–210 26–28 µm; longest appendages 85 µm.
Material examined – THAILAND, Chiang Mai prov., Mae Lai river nr. Ban Pong Din, km
27,6 road no.118 to Chiang Rai, alt. 470 m, 27 Nov 2004, W. Rossi, at the apex of the abdomen of
Diochus sp. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae), FI WR3474, holotype. Seven mature and 12 immature or
incomplete thalli have been observed.
Notes – The very elongate and almost cylindrical perithecium easily distinguishes the new
species from the other ten described thus far in the same genus. Only Teratomyces mirificus Thaxt.
and T. heterothopsis W. Rossi bear a vague resemblance with T. cylindrocarpus because of their
slender habitus and the perithecial venter only slightly inflated. However, both these species have a
1159
much longer perithecial stalk, longer appendages, the receptacle distinctly tapering downwards and
usually blackened (Rossi 2010, Bernardi et al. 2014).
Zeugandromyces assingii W. Rossi & Bernardi, sp. nov. Fig. 9
MycoBank: MB828129
Etymology – Named after Volker Assing (Germany), distinguished entomologist and student
of the Staphylinidae.
Thallus russet, with darker appendage and perithecial base and much paler cells I and VI.
Basal cell of the receptacle (cell I) trapezoidal, tapering to the foot, about as long as maximum
width. Suprabasal (cell II) broadly pentagonal, larger than cell I and slightly longer than broad.
Stalk cell of the appendage (cell III) free for about half of its length, slightly smaller than cell II,
from which is separated by an oblique septum. Appendage relatively small, distinctly shorter than
cell VI, its axis consisting of 5-6 cells gradually smaller, each bearing two paired antheridia
directed inward except the uppermost, which is sterile. Stalk cell of the perithecium (cell VI)
elongate, erect or more frequently curved, gradually broader distally, followed by the almost
flattened basal cells of the perithecium. The latter is asymmetrical, with the dorsal (inner) margin
distinctly convex and the ventral (outer) slightly concave; the neck is rather abruptly narrower,
slightly curved, ending in an undifferentiated tip and blunt apex. Length from foot to perithecial tip
350–390 µm; length of the appendage 36–37 µm; perithecium 220–245 52–60 µm.
Material examined – THAILAND, Chiang Mai prov., Doi Inthanon, Mae Aum, 1640 m,
moist evergreen forest, 18°31’N, 98°30’E, 11 Jan 2014, Ob legit, at the apex of the abdomen of
Neosclerus areolatus Assing (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae), FI WR4040, holotype; same data as the
type, WR 4039. A total of five mature and three immature or incomplete thalli have been observed.
Notes – The species of Zeugandromyces described thus far are four Z. australis Thaxt.,
parasitic on Scopaeus laevis Sharp from Argentina, Z. orientalis (Thaxt.) I. I. Tav., parasitic on
Scopaeus nitidulus Motschulski (=subfasciatus Kraatz) from the Philippines, Z. pseudomedonalis
(Thaxt.) I. I. Tav., parasitic on Lithocharis thoracica (Casey) from the USA, and Z. stilici (Thaxt.)
I. I. Tav., parasitic on Rugilus spp. from Malaysia (type), China, Sri Lanka and Sumatra (Thaxter
1931, Tavares 1985). All these fungi have an elongate appendage, which in Z. orientalis and Z.
stilici reaches the base of the perithecium and in Z. pseudomedonalis is even longer. Among these
four species the most similar to Z. assingii seems to be Z. orientalis, which however has a distinctly
acute perithecial apex, a smaller and paler cell II, and the appendage consisting of larger cells
bearing longer antheridia in a single row (Try et al. 2017, Fig. 2b).
New Records
Cantharomyces orientalis Spegazzini
MycoBank: MB160059
Known distribution – Reported chiefly on Carpelimus spp. (Staphylinidae) from several
European countries, from Algeria, and only twice from Asia (Philippines and Turkey) (Rossi 2016).
New record from Thailand – Lamphun prov., Mueang Lamphun distr., harvested rice fields
near Umong, 18°37’37”N, 99°03’34”E, 20 Oct & 1 Nov 2016, W. Rossi, on Carpelimus sp.
Notes – The new record partially fills the large geographical gap in range between the
Philippines and Turkey.
Dioicomyces italicus Spegazzini
MycoBank: MB150123
Known distribution – This fungus is found only on species of the genus Anthelephila (=
Formicomus) (Coleoptera, Anthicidae); it was described from Italy and later reported from
Bulgaria, Cambodia, Greece, Japan, Philippines, Spain and Turkey sometimes under the synonym
Dioicomyces formicomi Thaxt. (Rossi et al. 2018).
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New records from Thailand – Chiang Mai prov., Mae Lai river nr. Ban Pong Din, km 27.6
road no.118 to Chiang Rai, alt. 470 m, 27 Nov 2004, W. Rossi, on various specimens of
Anthelephila animata (Pic); Mae Wann river, km 32.3 road no.118 to Chiang Rai, 18°57’37”N,
99°14’04”E, alt. 430 m, 21 Oct 2016, W. Rossi, on A. binhensis (Pic); Doi Suthep, artificial lake,
29 Nov 2004, W. Rossi, at the base of the elytra of A. consul (LaFerté-Sénectère). Ranong Prov.,
near Ba Na, 9°34’N, 98°42’E, 22-26 Mar 1996, K. Majer, on the abdomen of A. ruficollis Saunders.
Chanthaburi distr., Khao Soi Dao, 5-13 May 1998, J. Rolčík, at the apex of the elytra of A. badia
(Krekich-Strassoldo).
Notes – Dioicomyces italicus seems quite common in Thailand. The thalli observed on
Anthelephila consul are slightly different from those observed on all the other insects of the same
genus, its perithecia lacking the conspicuous ridges and the typical reddish tinge. Although not
striking, these differences seem constant because were observed also in the thalli found on
specimens of A. consul from Cambodia (Try et al. 2017).
Eucantharomyces franzinii W. Rossi Fig. 10
MycoBank: MB360795
Known distribution – Described from Italy on Zuphium (Parazuphium) chevrolati (Laporte
de Castelnau) (Carabidae) (Rossi 1992) end never reported since.
New record from Thailand – Bangkok, 15 Nov 1928, A. Mackie, on Zuphium inconspicuum
Schmidt-Goebel.
Notes – This record is the first after the description of the species and also the first for the
Asian continent. The thalli from Thailand are only a somewhat stockier than those of the type
series.
Ilyomyces cf. dianoi A. Weir Fig. 11
MycoBank: MB413225
Known distribution – This parasite is known only from the type series, which is made of two
thalli found in Indonesia on a femur of Dianous sp. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Steninae) (Weir
1995).
New record from Thailand – Ciang Mai prov., Mae Wann river, km 32.3 road no.118 to
Chiang Rai, alt. 430 m, 23 Feb 2017, M. Bernardi & W. Rossi, on Stenus pustulatus Bernhauer.
Notes – The thalli from Thailand differ from those from Indonesia in having a more
symmetrical perithecium with a more tapered tip, in displaying a showy red area around the septum
dividing cell III from the free appendage, and the latter producing three antheridia from both its
cells 3 and 4.
Laboulbenia asiatica Thaxter Figs 12, 13
MycoBank: MB162167
Known distribution – Described on “Casnonia” from “Asia” (Thaxter 1908) and reported on
Dicranoncus femoralis Chaudoir and Periocypas sp. (Coleoptera, Carabidae) from Malaysia
(Sugiyama & Mochizuka 1979); the parasites on Craspedophorus formosanus Jedlička from
Taiwan identified as Laboulbenia asiatica by Sugiyama (1981a) were later described as a new
species (L. taiwaniana) by Terada et al. (2008).
New record from Thailand – Lamphun prov., Ban Lam Chan, Tambon Pratu Pa, light trap,
18°37’47”N, 98°59’57”E, 23 Oct 2016. W. Rossi, on various parts of the body of Eucolliuris
fuscipennis (Chaudoir).
Notes – In the descriptions and drawings given by Thaxter (1908) the differences between
Laboulbenia asiatica and L. celestialis Thaxt. are not very evident. Thaxter himself wrote about the
former: “The species [asiatica] is most nearly related to L. celestialis, of which it may prove to be a
luxuriantly developed condition”. We have identified the parasites of Eucolliuris fuscipennis as
Laboulbenia asiatica for the higher number of branchlets of the appendages, more numerous in the
thalli growing on the legs of the host (Fig. 12); this characteristic was described by Thaxter as a
1161
“... crest-like series of branches, distinguished by black septa ...”. Another feature apparently
distinguishing the two species seems to be the length of cell V, which reaches cell III in L. asiatica
but not in L. celestialis. The latter feature is not mentioned by Thaxter, but is inferred from his
drawings (Thaxter 1908, Plate LXV, Fig. 15). Moreover, the insect reported by Thaxter as the host
of L. asiatica is “Casnonia”, a name that he utilized for any ground beetle of the tribe Odacanthini,
which is the tribe of Eucolliuris fuscipennis.
Figures 7–13 – 7 Stigmatomyces coronatus. 8 Teratomyces cylindrocarpus. 9 Zeugandromyces
assingii. 10 Eucantharomyces franzinii. 11 Iliomyces cf. dianoi. 12 Laboulbenia asiatica from the
legs of the host insect. 13 Laboulbenia asiatica from the elytra of the same insect. Bars = 50 µm.
1162
Laboulbenia cristata Thaxter
MycoBank: MB236717
Known distribution – Cosmopolitan and common species occurring on species of the genus
Paederus (Staphylinidae) and closely related genera (Majewski 2008).
New record from Thailand – Lamphun prov., Ban Lam Chan, Tambon Pratu Pa, light trap,
18°37’47”N, 98°59’57”E, 23 Oct 2016. W. Rossi, all over the body of Paederus fuscipennis Curtis.
Notes – The finding of this species in Thailand is not surprising given its cosmopolitan
distribution.
Laboulbenia hottentottae Thaxter Fig. 14
MycoBank: MB219959
Known distribution – Described from Zanzibar on Lema (L.) hottentotta Lacordaire
(Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Criocerinae); subsequently reported from various African countries
and from China (Balazuc 1988, Shen & Ye 2006); the record of this parasite from French Guyana
on Syphraea sp. (Balazuc 1988) is wrong (personal unpublished observations).
New record from Thailand – Chiang Mai prov., river Mae Lai near Bam Pong Din, km 27.6
road no. 118 to Chiang Rai, 21 Oct 2016, W. Rossi, on various specimens of Lema (L.) saigonensis
(Baly) and L. (L.) delauneyi (Baly).
Notes – The fungi found on the two species of Lema from Thailand are quite variable. The
thalli occurring on the elytra of the hosts, with slender perithecia and dark but not blackened cells
II, III, IV and insertion cell, can be safely identified as Laboulbenia hottentottae although they are
shorter than the type, mostly because of a shorter cell II (Fig. 14). The thalli occurring on the
abdomen bear more inflated perithecia with the tip curving toward the dorsal side (Fig. 16). The
thalli from the tip of the abdomen are very short, with inflated perithecia bearing large lips, and
with cell IV bulging upwards (Fig. 15).
The specimens growing on the abdomen are similar to the ones reported from China on Lema
sp. by Shen & Ye (2006, Fig. 120 & Fig. 6 on Plate I) and identified as Laboulbenia macarthurii
Balazuc. This identification is not supported by the comparison of the images given by the Chinese
authors with the picture of the type of L. macarturii published by Haelewaters & Rossi (2015, Fig.
1E). Because short thalli of the American species Laboulbenia hermeophagae Thaxt. bearing cell
IV bulging outwards vaguely resemble L. hottentottae (unpublished observations), the record of the
latter from French Guyana on Syphraea sp. (Balazuc 1988) is certainly wrong.
Laboulbenia manubriolata Thaxter
MycoBank: MB190687
Known distribution – Described from Java (type) and Sri Lanka, subsequently reported from
other Asian countries (China, Japan, Taiwan), from a few European countries, and only once from
Africa (Sierra Leone) (Majewski 2008); the host insects belong to the genus Perigona (Carabidae).
New record from Thailand – Lamphun prov., Mueang Lamphun distr., harvested rice fields
near Umong, 18°37’37”N, 99°03’34”E, 20 Oct & 1 Nov 2016, W. Rossi, on Perigona nigriceps
(Dejean).
Notes – The new finding could be easily anticipated because Thailand is in the middle of the
Asian countries where Laboulbenia manubriolata has been already reported.
Laboulbenia partita Thaxter
MycoBank: MB224914
Known distribution – Described on Nisotra spp. (Chrysomelidae, Alticini) from Cameroon
and Madagascar, it was later reported again from Africa (Sierra Leone), from a few Asia countries
(Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan), and from New Guinea (Rossi 1986).
New records from Thailand – Chiang Mai prov., swamp at km 42 of the road no.118 to
Chiang Rai, 27 Nov 2004, W. Rossi, all over the body of Nisotra gemella (Erichson). Chiang Mai
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prov., river Mae Wann, km 32.2 of the road no.118 to Chiang Rai, 18°57’37”N, 99°14’04”E, 23
Feb 2017, M. Bernardi & W. Rossi, on the elytra of three specimens of Chaetocnema (Tlanoma)
discreta (Baly).
Notes – The thalli of Laboulbenia partita observed on Chaetocnema are shorter than those
parasitic on Nisotra, but otherwise not distinguished.
While the finding of L. partita on Nisotra gemella is not surprising given its presence on the same
host in the nearby countries, the finding of this parasite on Chaetocnema discreta is unexpected.
Actually, the species of Laboulbenia reported thus far on Chaetocnema spp. from America and
Europe are very different, with appendages lacking any sterile branch and with undivided cells III,
IV and V.
Laboulbenia polymorpha K. Sugiyama
MycoBank: MB316147
Known distribution – Described on Ophionea indica (Thumberg) from Japan and Taiwan,
subsequently reported from China on the same host insect and on Desera geniculata (Klug)
(Carabidae) (Shen & Ye 2006).
New record from Thailand – Lamphun prov., Ban Lam Chan, Tambon Pratu Pa, light trap,
18°37’47”N, 98°59’57”E, 23 Oct 2016. W. Rossi, on elytra and pronotum of Ophionea indica
(Thumberg).
Notes – In the original description (Sugiyama 1978b), three different “forms” were reported.
The type series was re–examined by Terada (2004) who carefully re-described these three
morphotypes and named them with the letters C, D and E. The thalli found on the elytra and the
pronotum of O. indica in Thailand perfectly match the morphotype named C-form by Terada
(2004, Figs 1–6). On the legs of the same host were found several thalli broadly club-shaped, which
cannot be assigned to any of the three morphotypes of Laboulbenia polymorpha.
Laboulbenia sciakyi W. Rossi & Cesari
MycoBank MB110745
Known distribution – Described on Planetes elegans Nietner (Carabidae), this species is only
known from Sri Lanka (Rossi & Cesari Rossi 1982).
New record from Thailand – 40 Km N Phutchabun, 1986, Thielen, on pronotum and elytra of
Planetes ruficollis (Nietner)
Notes – The parasites from Thailand are identical with those described from Sri Lanka. In a
few thalli the outer branch of the appendage is dichotomously divided twice, but the majority have
the same divided only once as in the type series.
Monandromyces neoalardi R. K. Benjamin Fig. 17
MycoBank: MB459859
Known distribution – Only known from the type series, which was found in Malaysia on
Neoalardus typicus (Distant) (Heteroptera, Veliidae) (Benjamin 1999).
New record from Thailand – Chiang Mai prov., River Mae Wann, km 32.3 road no.118, 21
Oct 2016, W. Rossi, on various specimens of N. typicus.
Notes – The thalli from Thailand are identical with the thalli described from the nearby
Malaysia on the same host-insect. The species is unmistakable for its very peculiar perithecial apex.
Monoicomyces luxurians W. Rossi & Santamaria Fig. 18
MycoBank: MB360568
Known distribution – Described on Drusilla sp. (Staphylinidae) from the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) (Rossi & Santamaria 1992) this parasite was never
recorded again.
New record from Thailand – Kanchanaburi prov., Ban Sai Yok, Kwai River, Mar 1984, G. de
Rougemont, on Drusilla khamhengi Pace.
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Notes – First record after its description and also first record for the Asian continent. The
thalli from Thailand fit the original description quite well.
Monoicomyces cf. leptochiri Thaxter Fig. 19
MycoBank: MB189080
Known distribution – This species has been recorded only in the Asian continent: described
from Indonesia and the Philippines, was later reported from Japan and Taiwan (Sugiyama 1978a);
the hosts are Staphylinidae Leptochirini.
New record from Thailand – Chiang Mai prov., Doi Suthep, nature trail Phalad, 29 Nov 2004,
W. Rossi, on the abdomen of Priochirus sp.
Notes – The thalli from Thailand are somewhat intermediate between Monoicomyces
leptochiri and M. osorianus Thaxt., described from Cameroon on Neosorius opaculus (Eppelsheim)
(Thaxter 1931). They have a sessile perithecium and dark brown suffusions at the septa between the
cells of the axis as in the former species, but their antheridial appendages bear distally up to eight
hyaline branchlets as in the latter.
Neohaplomyces cf. medonalis R. K. Benjamin
MycoBank: MB301812
Known distribution – The records of this species are quite scattered: it has been described on
Medon sp. (Staphylinidae) from the U. S. A. and subsequently reported from Greece, Madagascar,
Panama, Spain and Turkey on Medon spp., Thinocharis sp., and unidentified Medonina
(Haelewaters et al. 2017).
New record from Thailand – Ciang Rai prov., district Wiang Pa Pao, Huay Nam Guen, about
1250 m, 19°07’40”N, 99°19’42”E, 22-23 Feb 2017, M. Bernardi & W. Rossi, on various ventral
parts of an undetermined genus and species of the Medonina.
Notes – The record from Thailand is the second for Asia and extends considerably the known
distribution of the parasite.
Peyritschiella hybrida (Thaxter) I. I. Tavares
MycoBank: MB105644
Known distribution – Widely distributed in Asia on various species of Philonthus and
Spatulonthus (Staphylinidae); also reported in North and Central America and in a few European
countries (Try et al. 2017).
New record from Thailand – Lamphun prov., Ban San Ka Yom, light trap, 30 Oct 2016, W.
Rossi, all over the body of two specimens of Philonthus variipennis Kraatz and one Philonthus sp.
Notes – The very many thalli observed on the three host-insects reported above are very
variable. The perithecia of the fungi from the ventral part of the head are not auriculate and are very
similar to the thallus depicted in Thaxter 1908, Plate XXXI, Fig. 15. The thalli from the abdomen
bear auriculate perithecia, but those from the dorsal surface have, on average, longer fork-like,
blackish projections. On the tarsi of the same host insects were also present several thalli of
Peyritschiella subinaequilatera (Speg.) Speg. (see below).
Peyritschiella nigrescens Thaxter
MycoBank: MB181067
Known distribution – This species was described from the U.S.A and later recorded from a
few European countries, from Taiwan and from China; the host insects were all reported as species
of the genus Philonthus (Staphylinidae) (Shen & Ye 2006).
New record from Thailand – Lamphun prov., Mueang Lamphun distr., harvested rice fields
near Umong, 18°37’37”N, 99°03’43”E, 13 & 15 Feb 2017, M. Bernardi & W. Rossi, at the apex of
the abdomen of Neobisnius praelongus (Gemminger et Harold).
Notes – The thalli from Thailand are all asymmetrical, with a single antheridium and a single
perithecium asymmetrically placed.
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Figures 14–19 – 14 Laboulbenia hottentottae from the elytra of Lema delauneyi. 15 Laboulbenia
sp. from the abdomen of Lema delauneyi. 16 Laboulbenia sp. from the apex of the abdomen of
Lema delauneyi. 17 Monandromyces neoalardi. 18 Monoicomyces luxurians. 19 M. cf. leptochiri.
Bars = 50 µm.
Peyritschiella subinaequilatera (Spegazzini) Spegazzini Fig. 20
MycoBank: MB188512
1166
Known distribution – This fungus was described from Ethiopia and later recorded from
Argentina, Spain and Italy [from the latter country under the synonym P. anisopleura (Speg.)
Speg.] on various species of Philonthus (Santamaria 1999).
New record from Thailand – Lamphun prov., Ban San Ka Yom, light trap, 30 Oct 2016, W.
Rossi, on the tarsi of Philonthus variipennis and Philonthus sp.
Notes – As written above, Peyritschiella subinaequilatera was found on the tarsi of the same
insects bearing P. hybrida on other parts of the body. Thaxter (1931) suggested that P.
subinaequilatera could be a “form” of other species, growing on the distal portion of the tarsi of the
insects, but Santamaria (1999) maintained it as a distinct species because of the presence of thalli
displaying the same morphological features also when growing on other parts of the hosts.
Rickia ancylopi Thaxter
MycoBank: MB183965
Known distribution – This species was described on Ancylopus bisignatus Gerstaecker
(Coleoptera, Endomychidae) from Cameroon, but all the following records (on Ancylopus spp.) are
from Asia: China, India, Korea, Japan, Malaysia and Taiwan (Shen & Ye 2006).
New record from Thailand – Ciang Mai prov., near Mae Rim, Huay Tung Tao reservoir,
18°51’49”N, 98°56’24”E, 24 Oct 2016, W. Rossi, on a few specimens of Ancylopus pictus
asiaticus Strohecker.
Notes – The finding of Rickia ancylopi in Thailand is far from being surprising given its large
distribution area and the previous record from the nearby Malaysia.
Rickia berlesiana (Baccarini) Paoli Fig. 21
MycoBank: MB183879
Known distribution – Widely distributed in South-East Asia and in Oceania on various
families of mites (mainly Fedrizziidae, but also Cillibiidae, Celaenopsidae, Macrochelidae,
Uropodidae) and on unidentified Passalidae (Coleoptera). The complete list of records is: ASIA –
India (Samšiňáková 1960); Indonesia (Thaxter 1915); Malaysia (Sugiyama & Mochizuka 1979);
Sri Lanka (Thaxter 1926). OCEANIA – Australia (Baccarini 1904: type, Thaxter 1926, Seeman &
Nahrung 2000), Fiji and Solomon Islands (Thaxter 1926).
New record from Thailand – Ciang Rai prov., district Wiang Pa Pao, Huay Nam Guen, about
1250 m, 19°07’40”N, 99°19’42”E, light trap, 26–28 Oct 2016, W. Rossi, on a few Neofedrizzia sp.
(Fedrizziidae) associated with a female specimen of Aceraius helferi Kuwert (Passalidae). Ibidem,
25 May 2017, F. Ferrero, on several specimens of Neofedrizzia janae Seeman.
Notes – The new findings make it possible to point out the peculiar features of the bicellular
ascospores of Rickia berlesiana. The tip of the shorter cell is nipple-shaped, while the distal portion
of the longer cell, on the opposite side, is club-shaped (Fig. 21). In the large majority of the
Laboulbeniales both the ends of the ascospores are sharply pointed. It is also worth mentioning that
an immature thallus of Rickia uncinata was observed growing on the perithecium of a thallus of R.
berlesiana, the two thalli being of almost the same length (Fig. 21). The former species was very
abundant on the bristles of Aceraius helferi (see further on), the host of the host of Rickia
berlesiana. Sometimes very immature thalli of Laboulbeniales are found on older thalli of the same
species (Thaxter 1926, Plate XIII, Fig. 240, Rossi 1992, Fig. 10), but to our knowledge this is the
first record of one of these fungi growing on the thallus of a different species.
Rickia coleopterophagi Paoli
MycoBank: MB191144
Known distribution – Described on the mite Coleopterophagus procerus Berlese
(Canestriniidae) associated with Oryctes rhinoceros (L.) (Scarabaeidae) from India (Paoli 1911),
subsequently reported in Africa on Passalacarus sp. (Diplogyniidae) associated with Oryctes
owariensis Palisot from Guinea (Balazuc 1973) and on Cingulacarus sp. (sub Lobogynioides sp.)
(Diplogyniidae) associated with Oryctes owariensis from Sierra Leone (Rossi 1994).
1167
New record from Thailand – Lamphun prov., near Ban Chetawan, 1 Nov 2016, W. Rossi, on
Diplogynium oryctae Vishnupriya et Mohanasundaram (Diplogyniidae) associated with Oryctes
rhinoceros collected by light trap.
Notes – The single, immature thallus from Thailand is almost identical with the immature
thallus depicted by Paoli in the protologue (Paoli 1911, plate XII, Fig. 3).
The host of Rickia coleopterophagi from Sierra Leone was reported as “Lobogynioides sp.”, but
was later identified as Cingulacarus sp. by Owen Seeman (Australia).
Rickia flagellifera Thaxter Fig. 22
MycoBank: MB186996
Known distribution – This parasite has been recorded only once, on Leptaulax dentatus
(Fabricius) (Passalidae) from the Philippines (Thaxter 1926).
New record from Thailand – Doi Inthanon near Khun Wang, under the bark of a fallen tree,
28 Nov 2004, W. Rossi, on the bristles at the apex of the abdomen of L. dentatus.
Notes – Among the thalli from Thailand, most of which have a single perithecium (Fig. 22),
there are some with up to four perithecia.
Rickia leptaulacis Thaxter
MycoBank: MB269270
Known distribution – Described on Leptaulax dentatus from the Philippines as the previous
species (Thaxter 1926) and more recently reported from Northern Australia not only on other
Passalidae, but also on the mites Fedrizzia grossipes Canestrini (Fedrizziidae) and Meghistanus
spp. (Megistanidae) (Seeman & Nahrung 2000).
New record from Thailand – Ciang Rai prov., district Wiang Pa Pao, Huay Nam Guen, about
1250 m, 19°07’40”N, 99°19’42”E, under the bark of a fallen tree, 22–23 Feb 2017, M. Bernardi &
W. Rossi, on Fedrizzia gilloglyi Seeman associated with Leptaulax dentatus.
Notes – The new record confirms the presence of this parasite on both Passalidae and
associated mites.
Rickia uncinata Thaxter Fig. 23
MycoBank: MB188720
Known distribution – The original description is based on thalli found “on the bristles of a
large Passalidae from Java” and on the legs of a mite inhabiting Pelopides monticulosus (Smith)
(Passalidae) from Sumatra (Thaxter 1926); it was subsequently reported only from Malaysia on “a
large passalid insect” (Sugiyama & Mochizuka 1979).
New records from Thailand – Ciang Rai prov., district Wiang Pa Pao, Huay Nam Guen, about
1250 m, 19°07’40”N, 99°19’42”E, light trap, 26–28 Oct 2016, W. Rossi, on the bristles of Aceraius
helferi Kuwert (Passalidae). Ibidem, 25 May 2017, F. Ferrero, on the bristles of A. helferi and on
several large mites (Meghistanus sp., Megisthanidae) associated with the same beetle.
Notes – Aceraius helferi is a “large” Passalidae almost 4 cm long and has a distribution area
ranging from India to China. It is therefore possible that some of the previous unidentified hosts of
Rickia uncinata were A. helferi.
Recent findings have shown that the presence of the same species of the Laboulbeniales on an
insect and on the mites associated with the same insect is not so rare as suggested by the scarcity of
previous reports (Seeman & Nahrung 2000, Rossi et al. 2016).
Stigmatomyces dubius Thaxter Fig. 24
MycoBank: MB192098
Known distribution – Known only from the type series, described upon parasites found on an
unidentified fly from the Bismarck Archipelago (Papua-New Guinea) (Thaxter 1901).
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New record from Thailand – Chiang Mai prov., Mae Wann river, km 32.3 road no.118 to
Chiang Rai, 430 m, 27 Nov 2004, W. Rossi, on the left hind tibia Ochthera guangdongensis Zhang
& Yang (Ephydridae).
Notes – First record for the Asian continent. The thalli from Thailand are stockier, mostly
because of a shorter receptacle: which is not unusual in parasites growing on the legs of the host
insects. However, they have the characteristic “hamate” longer lip overlapping the others and the
long appendage consisting of 8–9 cells exceeding in height the perithecial venter.
The host of S. dubius was described as “a fly with monstrously developed anterior legs
resembling those of Ochtheria mantis” collected by S. Dahl at “Ralum, New Pomerania” (now
New Britain, in the Bismarck Archipelago) and preserved in the “Museum of Natural History” of
Berlin (Thaxter 1901). Because several years ago the first author received from the Museum für
Naturkunde (Berlin) a specimen of Ochthera brevitibialis de Meijere bearing thalli of S. dubius,
labeled “Ralum, S. Dahl, 2/6.1896”, it could well be that the unidentified fly seen by Thaxter
belongs to this same species.
Stigmatomyces excavatus Thaxter Fig. 25
MycoBank: MB187596
Known distribution – Described on Notiphila sp. (Ephydridae) from Cameroon (Thaxter
1918) and never recorded since.
New record from Thailand – Chiang Mai prov., swamp km 42 road no.118 to Chiang Rai, 27
Nov 2004, W. Rossi, on various parts of a male specimen of Notiphila phaea Hendel.
Notes – The thalli from Thailand are short but have, as in the type series, a long and slender
appendage with the axis consisting of 7 cells and its stalk-cell extending upward forming a rounded
bulge.
The finding from Thailand is the first for the Asian continent. However, in the WR collection
there are two unpublished records from the Middle East which partially fill the huge geographical
gap between the Indochinese Peninsula and Cameroon. These records are as follows: ISRAEL,
Menahamiya, 32.67N, 35. 57E, 27 Oct 2011, N. Vikhrev, on the tergites of a female specimen of
Notiphila dorsata Stenhammar. JORDAN, Azraq Reserve, 8 Oct 2000, W. Rossi, on N. irrorata
Cogan.
Stigmatomyces tortilis Thaxter, Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences 53(9):
721, 1918 [MB187596] Fig. 26
= Stigmatomyces subcircinalis Thaxter, Memoirs of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
16(1): 118, 1931 [MB279140] syn. nov.
Known distribution – This parasite was described on Lispe sp. (Diptera, Muscidae) from
Cameroon (Thaxter 1918) and later re-described as S. subcircinalis on Lispe sp. from Indonesia
(Thaxter 1931).
New record from Thailand – Saraburi prov., Muak Lek Falls, 3 Sept 1981, W. Rossi, on Lispe
leucospila Wiedeman; Chomburi, SaiKaew, 16.I.2008, N. Vikhrev, on various specimens of L.
leucospila.
Notes – It suffices to draw near to each other figures no.13 of plate XXVIII (Stigmatomyces
tortilis) and no.16 of plate XXIX (S. subcircinalis) in Thaxter’s monograph of 1931 to make it
evident that these two figures show the same species. Any doubt will be eliminated by reading the
detailed descriptions on page 118 of the same publication.
Tettigomyces acuminatus Thaxter
MycoBank: MB239061
Known distribution – Described from Java, subsequently reported from the Philippines,
Kenya, China and, more recently, from Sierra Leone (Rossi & Leonardi 2018); the host insects
were reported as Gryllotalpa africana Palisot de Beauvois (Orthoptera, Gryllotalpidae).
1169
Figures 20–27 – 20 Peyritschiella subinaequilatera. 21 Rickia berlesiana. 22 R. flagellifera.
23 R. uncinata. 24 Stigmatomyces dubius. 25 S. excavatus. 26 S. tortilis. 27 Tettigomyces
chaetophilus.
New record from Thailand – Lamphun prov., Mueang Lamphun distr., harvested rice fields
near Umong, 18°37’37”N, 99°03’34”E, 15 Feb 2017, M. Bernardi & W. Rossi, on abdominal
appendages of Gryllotalpa sp.
1170
Notes – The name Gryllotalpa africana has been used for a long time also for the Asian
mole-crickets, but more recent studies have shown that this species is not found in Asia, where
other 26 species of Gryllotalpa were recenltly recorded (Tan 2016).
Tettigomyces chaetophilus Thaxter Fig. 27
MycoBank: MB239230
Known distribution – Like the previous species, this fungus was described from Java, but
later was reported only from China (Thaxter 1926, Shen & Ye 2006); the host insects of both
findings were reported as “Gryllotalpa africana”.
New record from Thailand – Lamphun prov., Mueang Lamphun distr., harvested rice fields
near Umong, 18°37’37”N, 99°03’34”E, 15 Feb 2017, M. Bernardi & W. Rossi, on the bristles of
the abdominal appendages of Gryllotalpa sp.
Notes – See the “Notes” of the previous species.
Discussion
Laboulbeniales from the Indochinese peninsula are poorly known and it is therefore
impossible to infer from the known data any conclusion about the biodiversity of the
Laboulbeniales of the area. Also, the numbers of these parasites recorded from the single countries
are very low and uncertainties exist because of doubtless identifications and synonyms. Taking this
into account, the figures are as follows: in the peninsular Malaysia were reported thus far 55
species, only 15 of which are also reported from Thailand; the comparison with Burma is 5 species
in common among the 20 reported; in Cambodia were recently recorded 16 species, 8 of which are
also present in Thailand; no comparison is possible with Laos because not a single species has been
recorded thus far from this country.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank the numerous entomologists who identified or supplied insects
bearing Laboulbeniales: F. Angelini, Italy (Leiodidae); V. Assing, Germany (Staphylinidae); M.
Baehr, Germany (Carabidae); M. Biondi, Italy (Chrysomelidae); S. Boucher, France (Passalidae);
F. Cianferoni, Italy (Veliidae); A. Haustov, Russia (mites); Z. Kejval, Czech Rep. (Anthicidae); M.
Krivosheina, Russia (Ephydridae); G. Makranczy, Hungary (Staphylinidae); V. Puthz, Germany
(Staphylinidae); S. Rocchi, Italy (Dytiscidae, Hydrophilidae); O. Seeman, Australia (mites); F. W.
Shockley, U. S. A. (Endomychidae); N. Vikhrev, Russia (Muscidae); T. Zatwarnicki, Poland
(Ephydridae). They are also grateful to S. Santamaria (Spain) for the pictures with DIC optics and
to K. Terada (Japan) for helpful suggestions.
Special thanks are due to Franco Ferrero for his help during the journeys of 2016 and 2017,
and to Hans Banziger for his help during the journey of 2004.
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