Laboulbeniomycetes (entomopathogens)

Ascomycota • entomopath. fungi • Diseases of pests • Beneficials

Harmonia axyridis parasitized by a species of Laboulbeniales growing on the tip of the elytra (click on image to enlarge it)
Author: Gilles San Martin
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Laboulbeniomycetes (entomopathogens)

The class of Laboulbeniomycetes contains entomoparasitic and mycoparasitic fungi. The entomoparasitic forms, the order of Laboulbeniales, are of interest as possible natural enemies of insect pests. They grow externally on the cuticle of the host insect, while the base penetrates the cuticle and obtains nutrients from the host. However, it is not clear, to what degree the host is affected.

The class is mainly characterized by the shape of the small fruiting bodies. These are transparent and elongated or egg-shaped and form at their base several asci. The asci each contain 4 ascospores, consisting of 2 cells.

The following orders of entomopathogenic Laboulbeniomycetes are included in the system:

• Laboulbeniales - 1 species