New Arthrobotrys Nematode-Trapping Species (Orbiliaceae) from Terrestrial Soils and Freshwater Sediments in China

Abstract

<i>Arthrobotrys</i> is the most complex genus of Orbiliaceae nematode-trapping fungi. Its members are widely distributed in various habitats worldwide due to their unique nematode-trapping survival strategies. During a survey of nematophagous fungi in Yunnan Province, China, twelve taxa were isolated from terrestrial soil and freshwater sediment habitats and were identified as six new species in <i>Arthrobotrys</i> based on evidence from morphological and multigene (ITS, TEF, and RPB2) phylogenetic analyses. These new species i.e., <i>Arthrobotrys eryuanensis</i>, <i>A. jinpingensis</i>, <i>A. lanpingensis</i>, <i>A. luquanensis</i>, <i>A. shuifuensis</i>, and <i>A. zhaoyangensis</i> are named in recognition of their places of origin. Morphological descriptions, illustrations, taxonomic notes, and a multilocus phylogenetic analysis are provided for all new taxa. In addition, a key to known species in <i>Arthrobotrys</i> is provided, and the inadequacies in the taxonomic study of nematode-trapping fungi are also discussed.