Molecular phylogeny and morphology reveal two new species, Ophiocordyceps ramosa sp. nov. (Ophiocordycipitaceae) and Leptobacillium hepiali sp. nov. (Cordycipitaceae), in Hypocreales from China

<i>Ophiocordyceps</i> holds significant value in controlling arthropod populations, maintaining ecosystem balance, and developing bioactive substances. During the natural infection of hosts, <i>Ophiocordyceps</i> fungi, along with other fungal species, form a micro-ecological complex, where these microorganisms also exhibit ecological functions and biological value. In this study, two new species were introduced, from <i>Ophiocordyceps</i> and <i>Leptobacillium</i>, based on morphological observation and multi-gene (ITS, nrSSU, nrLSU, <i>tef-1α</i>, <i>rpb1</i>, and <i>rpb2</i>) phylogenetic analysis. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that <i>Ophiocordyceps ramosa</i> <b>sp. nov</b>. is closely related to <i>Hirsutella satumaensis</i> and <i>H. nodulosa</i>, and <i>Leptobacillium hepiali</i> <b>sp. nov</b>. is closely related to <i>L. latisporum</i>. <i>O. ramosa</i> <b>sp. nov</b>. is characterised by multi-branched or partially forked, lignified and light brown stromata, phialides with a swollen base and tapering neck, and spherical or sub-spherical conidia, distinguishing it from closely related species. <i>L. hepiali</i> <b>sp. nov</b>. is characterized by solitary, unbranched phialides, clearly differentiating it from its relatives, which have 2-3 branched phialides. The distinctiveness of these two new species was strongly supported by both molecular phylogeny and morphology.