Three novel insect-associated species of Simplicillium (Cordycipitaceae, Hypocreales) from Southwest China

Abstract. In this paper, we introduce three new species of Simplicillium, viz. S. cicadellidae, S. formicidae and S. lepidopterorum, which were isolated from an infected leafhopper, ant and carpenterworm, respectively. Morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses based on multigene datasets (LSU+RPB1+RPB2+TEF and ITS+LSU) support the establishment of the three new species. Simplicillium cicadellidae was distinguished from other species in morphological characteristics by having smaller phialides and ellipsoidal conidia, and lacking octahedral crystals. The reverse of colonies were yellowish (#FFBF00), especially in the middle, and radially sulcate. Simplicillium formicidae was morphologically distinguished from other by having longer phialides and filiform to fusoid conidia, and by lacking octahedral crystals. Simplicillium lepidopterorum was morphologically distinguished from other species by having smaller, ellipsoidal to fusiform conidia, and by lacking octahedral crystals. The reverse of the colony was pale white. The three new species are likely to be nourished by plant to animal (especially insect) nutrients based on the evolutionary pattern of the Hypocreales, and they are described herein as being clearly distinct from other species in Simplicillium.