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Reintroducing Akanthomyces ampullifer: providing genetic barcodes, culture, and updated description for the dipteran
Alena Kubátová1, Bernd Kunz1,2, Vít Hubka1,2
1a Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Charles University.
Abstract:
The genus Akanthomyces (Ascomycota, Hypocreales) includes entomopathogenic species known to infect a variety of insects and spiders. In this study, we present the first isolate of A. ampullifer characterized by molecular methods, found on dead bodies of the common cave limoniid Limonia nubeculosa (Diptera) in the subterranean spaces of southwestern Germany. In total, seven specimens exhibited distinctive morphological traits that, when compared with historical records, confirm their identification as A. ampullifer-particularly noted for its affinity to dipteran hosts. Absent from culture collections and molecular repositories, this species has eluded detailed scientific documentation using modern methods. Our research bridges this knowledge gap, providing the first genetic identification barcodes of five genes, living culture, cultivation requirements, and an updated description. This overlooked fungus is phylogenetically most closely related to the species A. pyralidarum, A. laosensis, and some other species mostly associated with adult moths. It demonstrates a unique morphological signature with monoblastic phialides forming a layer on the surface of synnemata and produces long, cylindrical, chain-forming conidia. It prefers lower temperatures, exhibiting an inability to grow at 25 °C, coupled with notably slow growth in culture.
Insights
This study identifies the entomopathogenic fungus Akanthomyces ampullifer using molecular methods for the first time. The research provides crucial genetic data and cultivation details for this rarely documented species.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Entomopathogenic Fungi
- Fungal Taxonomy
Background:
- The genus Akanthomyces comprises entomopathogenic fungi infecting insects and spiders.
- Akanthomyces ampullifer has been historically documented but lacked modern molecular characterization.
- Subterranean environments can harbor unique fungal biodiversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide the first molecular characterization of Akanthomyces ampullifer.
- To document cultivation requirements and updated morphological descriptions.
- To investigate the phylogenetic placement of A. ampullifer within the Akanthomyces genus.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and cultivation of fungal specimens from Limonia nubeculosa cadavers.
- Molecular identification using DNA sequencing of five genes.
- Morphological analysis and comparison with historical records.
- Phylogenetic analysis to determine evolutionary relationships.
Main Results:
- The first molecular barcodes for A. ampullifer were generated.
- Seven specimens were identified morphologically and genetically.
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed A. ampullifer is closely related to moth-associated species.
- Unique morphological features include monoblastic phialides and chain-forming conidia.
- The fungus exhibits low-temperature preference and slow growth in culture, unable to grow at 25°C.
Conclusions:
- This research fills a significant knowledge gap regarding Akanthomyces ampullifer.
- The study provides essential data for future research on this entomopathogenic fungus.
- Akanthomyces ampullifer represents a distinct species with specific host and environmental preferences.
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