Entomophaga (genus - entomopathogens)
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Author(s): A.P. Gryganskyi et al.
Source: Persoonia (2013), vol. 30, p. 101
Source: US Forest Service - Wikimedia Commons
Entomophaga (entomopathogens) A. Batko 1964
This genus of entomopathogenic fungi is widely distributed and infects various groups of insects like Lepidoptera and Orthoptera. Several species are important biological control agents of insect pests causing epizootics. For example, Entomophaga maimaiga infects gypsy moth caterpillars and has been introduced into North America from Asia. Entomophaga grylli is a common pathogen of locusts and grasshoppers.
Like in some other genera of the Entomophthorales, the conidiophores re-emerging from the dead insect form first primary conidia which are discharged and subsequently these form secondary conidia. In Entomophaga the primary conidia are pear-shaped and multinucleate. The secondary conidia are formed on short lateral secondary conidiophore. Some species form asexual, thick-walled resting spores (azygospores) which can persist in the soil for many years. Rhizoids may be present or absent. The genus is in need of a taxonomic revision (Gryganskyi et al., 2013).
Type species: Entomophaga grylli
Currently, the following species have been entered into the system:
