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Ophiocordyceps

Ophiocordyceps. Miranda McCleaf Mycology 2 December 2013. Characteristics of the genus Ophiocordyceps Taxonomic specifications Life Cycle Characteristics Three Prominent Species- O. sinensis O. unilateralis O. nutans. Overview. Species are e ntomopathogenic fungi

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Ophiocordyceps

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  1. Ophiocordyceps Miranda McCleaf Mycology 2 December 2013

  2. Characteristics of the genus Ophiocordyceps • Taxonomic specifications • Life Cycle Characteristics • Three Prominent Species- • O. sinensis • O. unilateralis • O. nutans Overview

  3. Species are entomopathogenic fungi • Often to species specific hosts • Scientifically described by Tom Petch in 1931 • 140+ species defined • Similar life history to Cordyceps Ophiocordyceps Fruiting bodies of Ophiocordyceps sp. Fruiting bodies of Ophiocordyceps dipterigena

  4. Division- Ascomycota • Correspond to Anamorphic genera such as Hirsutella, Hymenostilbe, Paraisaria, andSyngliocladium • Family- Ophiocordycipitaceae • Close relation to Cordyceps Taxonomy • Fruiting bodies of Cordyceps sp. • Anamorph type – Hirsutellaneovolkiana

  5. Targets specific insect host • Co-evolution with life history traits of insect • High investment in producing multiple sporulation events • Increase the likelihood in infecting a new host • Manipulates host to behave ‘zombie-like’ and locate a location for optimal fungal growth Life Cycle Characteristics

  6. O. sinensis • Parasitizes caterpillars of Ghost Moths • O. unilateralis • Parasitizes Carpenter Ants Interesting Ophiocordyceps • O. nutans • Parasitizes Stinkbugs

  7. Formally Cordyceps sinensis • Native to Tibetan Plateau of Asia • Parasitizes on larval individuals of the genus Thitarodes • Traditionally called Summer-plant and Winter-worm • Mistakenly nicknamed ‘vegetable caterpillar’ • Medicinal Value: • Used to treat asthma and respiratory inflammation • Used as an aphrodisiac • May alleviate fatigue and symptoms associated with cancer • High economic value • Excessively harvested and in decline in natural populations • Listed as an endangered species in China O. sinensis

  8. Life Cycle: Parasitizes then Mummifies • Anamorphic Hirsutellasinensis becomes telomorphic when it infects the host • Infected caterpillar is positioned 2-5cm below soil surface with head facing upward • Stroma grows from the head of the deceased caterpillar and produces a fruiting body • Characteristics: • Ascospores are hyaline, filiform and multiseptate O. sinensiscont.

  9. Formally Cordyceps unilateralis • Native to Thailand • Creates the ‘zombie ant’ extended phenotype • Targets species specific Camponotus leonardi • Ecological Interest: • Unique parasite to host co-evolution • Contributes to the study of microhabitat use O. unilateralis

  10. Life Cycle: Expresses extended phenotype • Extended phenotype causes the ant to become displaced and clamp onto the underside of a leaf • The ant locks its mandibles and dies allowing the mycelium to fill the body cavity • Fruiting body emerges from the ants head and then releases ascospores in bouts to infect a new individual • Characteristics: • Ascus is perithecium shaped O. unilateralis cont.

  11. Formally Cordyceps nutans • Native to Japan, Taiwan, China and New Guinea • Targets several stinkbug species in Heteroptera • Pest Management Implications: • Stinkbugs cause agriculture and forest damage • Invasive pest species • Biological control agent instead of chemical control? O. nutans

  12. Ophiocordyceps belongs to the Division Ascomycota • They share similar life histories to Cordyceps • Belong to very species specific parasite- host interactions • 140+ species • Some are significant in economical, medicinal, ecological and biological pest control uses Summary

  13. Sung, G-H., Hywel-Jones, NL., Sung, J-M., Luangsa-ard, JJ., Shrestha, B., et al. (2007) Phylogenetic classification of Cordyceps and the clavicipitaceous fungi. Studies in Mycology 57: 5–59. • Sasaki, Fumito, Miyamoto, Toshizumi, Yamamoto, Aki, Tamai, Yutaka, and Yajima, Takashi. (2012) Relationship between intraspecific variations and host insects of Ophiocordyceps nutans collected in Japan. Mycoscience 53(2): 85-91. • Shresthaa, Bhushan, Zhangb, Weimin, Zhangc, Yongjie, and Liud, Xingzhong. (2010) What is the Chinese caterpillar fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Ophiocordycipitaceae)? Mycology: An International Journal on Fungal Biology 1(4): 228-236. • Andersen, Sandra B., Gerritsma, Sylvia, Yusah, Kalsum M., Mayntz, David, Hywel‐Jones, Nigel L., Billen, Johan, Boomsma, Jacobus J. and Hughes, David P. (2009) The Life of a Dead Ant: The Expression of an Adaptive Extended Phenotype. The American Naturalist 174(3): 424-433. • Sung, G-H., Hywel-Jones, NL., Sung, J-M., Luangsa-ard, JJ., Shrestha, B., et al. (2007) Phylogenetic classification of Cordyceps and the clavicipitaceous fungi. Studies in Mycology 57: 5–59. • Kendrick, Bryce. (1985) The Fifth Kingdom. 3rd ed. Waterloo, Ont., Canada: Mycologue Publications. 66-67. Print. References

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