A new species of Paecilomyces isolated from the Antarctic springtail Cryptopygus antarcticus

A monophialidic species of Paecilomyces was isolated from the Antarctic springtail Cryptopygus antarcticus in the peninsular Antarctic. The fungus emerged through the carapace of dead arthropods during incubation at 4oC, and produced colonies on agar media at both 4 and 17oC. The fungus was morphologically similar to a number of existing monophialidic species of Paecilomyces, but differed in colony pigmentation, the size of phialides and conidial features. Analysis of the ribosomal DNA internally transcribed spacer (ITS) and 18s subunit sequences showed the fungus to be distinct from other Paecilomyces species, and suggested a close relationship with Cordyceps species. The new species Paecilomyces antarcticus is described.

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