<i>Ophiocordyceps Polyrhachicola</i> (Hypocreales, Ophiocordycipitaceae), a New Species of Ant Associated Fungal Parasite in China

Ophiocordyceps , the largest genus within the family Ophiocordycipitaceae, is known for its parasitism on many insect hosts. Recent advances in global biodiversity research have enhanced the classification and ecological understanding of this genus, underscoring its pivotal role in global ecosystems. As the type genus of Ophiocordycipitaceae, Ophiocordyceps has undergone extensive taxonomic revision based on comprehensive studies. In this study, Ophiocordyceps polyrhachicola , a novel species from China that parasitizes the ants of the genus Polyrhachis inhabiting leaf litter of temperate deciduous forests is introduced. Species placement is supported corroborated by morphological observations and phylogenetic analyses of a multi‐locus dataset comprising ITS, LSU, SSU, rpb1 , rpb2 , and tef1‐α sequences. Detailed comparisons with closely related taxa reveal distinctive morphological traits and molecular characteristics, establishing O. polyrhachicola as a unique and well‐delimited species within the genus.