Multilocus Phylogeny and Characterization of Five Undescribed Aquatic Carnivorous Fungi (Orbiliomycetes)

The diversity of nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) holds significant theoretical and practical implications in the study of adaptive evolution and the bio-control of harmful nematodes. However, compared to terrestrial ecosystems, research on aquatic NTF is still in its early stages. During a survey of NTF in six watersheds in Yunnan Province, China, we isolated 10 taxa from freshwater sediment. Subsequent identification based on morphological and multigene (ITS, TEF1-α, and RPB2) phylogenetic analyses inferred they belong to five new species within Arthrobotrys. This paper provides a detailed description of these five novel species (Arthrobotrys cibiensis, A. heihuiensis, A. jinshaensis, A. yangbiensis, and A. yangjiangensis), contributing novel insights for further research into the diversity of NTF and providing new material for the biological control of aquatic harmful nematodes. Additionally, future research directions concerning aquatic NTF are also discussed.