Ophiocordyceps nutans

Ophiocordyceps nutans is an entomopathogenic fungus belonging to the order Hypocreales (Ascomycota) in the family Ophiocordycipitaceae.[1] O. nutans only parasitizes Hemipterans, namely stinkbugs.[2] In Korea, O. nutans is one of the most common species of Cordyceps.[2] O. nutans, as well as other Cordyceps species, are mainly classified morphologically by their colour, fruit body shape, and host insect species.[1] Stinkbugs cause considerable damage to agriculture and forestry, and the anamorph of O. nutans, Hymenostilbe nutans, is a potential selective biological control agent against the stinkbugs.[1]

Ophiocordyceps nutans
Ophiocordyceps nutans in the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, Thailand
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Fungi
Division:	Ascomycota
Class:	Sordariomycetes
Order:	Hypocreales
Family:	Ophiocordycipitaceae
Genus:	Ophiocordyceps
Species:	O. nutans
Binomial name
Ophiocordyceps nutans (Pat.)
Synonyms
Cordyceps nutans Pat., Bull. 1887 Cordyceps bicephala subsp. nutans (Pat.) Moureau 1949

Distribution

Ophiocordyceps nutans is found in the tropical forest regions of: Japan, Taiwan, China, New Guinea, and Korea, as well as other places.[2]

References

1. Fumito Sasaki; Toshizumi Miyamoto; Aki Yamamoto; Yutaka Tamai & Takashi Yajima (2008). "Morphological and genetic characteristics of the entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps nutans and its host insects". Mycological Research. 112 (10): 1241–1244. doi:10.1016/j.mycres.2008.04.008. PMID 18693103.
2. Fumito Sasaki; Toshizumi Miyamoto; Aki Yamamoto; Yutaka Tamai & Takashi Yajima (2012). "Relationship between intraspecific variations and host insects of Ophiocordyceps nutans collected in Japan". Mycoscience. 53: 85–91. doi:10.1007/s10267-011-0137-0.