Discovery of a new species and a new geographical record of Metarhizium (Clavicipitaceae, Hypocreales) from China

Clavicipitoid fungi, significant insect pathogens within the Ascomycetes, represent a diverse and complex group that includes genera such as Metarhizium, known for their biocontrol properties. These fungi are highly diverse yet frequently overlooked, resulting in many species remaining undiscovered and undescribed. This study unveils two notable findings from China within Metarhizium: a new species, M. multisynnematum, and a new geographical record for M. phasmatodeae. These identifications were achieved through both morphological examination and phylogenetic analysis across six loci (SSU, LSU, ITS, tef-1α, rpb1, and rpb2). Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the two novel isolates are provided, along with a phylogenetic tree illustrating the placement of the new species.