Entomophthora (genus - entomopathogens)

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fly killed by Entomophthora muscae (click on image to enlarge it)
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Entomophthora (entomopathogens) Fresen. 1856

This genus of entomopathogenic fungi is widely distributed and infects various groups of insects (e.g. from the orders Diptera and Hemiptera). Several species are considered important biological control agents of insect pests. Like in many other fungi infecting insects, the germinating hyphae enter the body through soft parts of the cuticle. After growing inside the host, the fungus eventually re-emerges through the cuticle to form conidia on the outside. The infected insects often have a swollen abdomen with the fungus penetrating through the intersegmental membrane giving the dead insect a banded appearance.

In Entomophthora, the conidiophores eject a single primary conidium. After landing, the out wall of the conidium ruptures and a secondary condium is formed within a few hours and also discharged. The secondary conidium is often more virulent than the primary one, but both forms can infect the host insect. In some species, the formation of thick-walled overwintering resting spores has been observed. The genus is characterized by the primary conidium having an apical papilla and a broad base ("bell-shaped" form).

Type species: Entomophthora muscae


Currently, the following species have been entered into the system: