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Our planet is inhabited by an estimated 2.5 million species of fungi, of which fewer than 10% have been scientifically described. Some of the most understudied yet remarkable fungal species are those capable of parasitizing arthropods, notably insects and spiders. Here, we explore the hidden diversity of a spider-attacking (araneopathogenic) fungus and its associated microbiome in one of the world's most biodiverse yet threatened biomes, the Atlantic Forest. We apply a field-based "taxogenomic" approach, comprising the integration of classical fungal taxonomy and genomic characterization of a sample's endogenous, associated, and incidental DNA. The data we produced in the field reveal a new species of Purpureocillium fungus belonging to the P. atypicola group, parasitizing trapdoor spiders, and provide a snapshot of its associated bacterial and fungal microbiota. Molecular, morphological, and ecological data support P. atypicola as a complex of cryptic species infecting a variety of ecologically distinct spider species globally. We call for consolidated efforts to accelerate and facilitate the publication of both new species and the characterization of the genomic composition of their associated taxa.

Fungi in the family Hypocreaceae colonize a wide range of habitats, including the nests of fungus-farming ants (Attini, the "attines"). Although several Hypocreaceae genera are known from attine ant nests, recent studies indicate an even greater, previously unrecognized diversity. In this study, we describe a new genus and five new species associated with Apterostigma ants. A total of 11 isolates from Brazil, Ecuador, and Panama were examined based on macro- and micromorphological characteristics, combined with a family-wide phylogenetic analysis using five molecular loci. This polyphasic approach supports the recognition of Manidigitorum gen. nov. and five new species: M. attinorum, M. cervicornutus, M. minutus, M. sessilis, and M. ramosus. Manidigitorum species are distinguished from related Hypocreaceae by their phialidic conidiogenesis arising from an irregular-shaped basal cell resembling a hand supporting fingers. These findings broaden the known diversity of Hypocreaceae and provide new insights into the symbiotic relationships between fungi of this family and attine ants.

Steccherinum and its allied genera represent a morphologically complex group of fungi within the Steccherinaceae. In this study, we investigated, through morphological and multigene phylogenetic analyses, the diversity of odontioid/hydnoid Steccherinum s.l. collected in Brazil. Culture studies were conducted to compare mycelial morphology and growth rates among species, and mating tests were performed to assess sexual compatibility among related taxa. In addition, divergence-time estimates for the Steccherinaceae were generated using a concatenated five-gene dataset to contextualize the evolutionary history of the group. Molecular data revealed eight well-defined neotropical lineages in Steccherinum, including S. larssonii, S. perparvulum, S. subochraceum, and five new species: S. bononiae, S. elegantissimum, S. molle, S. resinaceum, and S. undulatum. The five newly described taxa are morphologically very similar and differ only in subtle diagnostic traits. Two additional new species were identified in Cabalodontia: C. albofulva and C. brunnea. Furthermore, the new combinations C. lincangense and C. tenuissima are proposed based on the phylogenetic data. Phylogenetic analyses also demonstrated that S. perparvulum comprises a species complex with three distinct lineages. Mating tests between two of these lineages showed a lack of sexual compatibility, indicating that they represent separate biological species that cannot be distinguished morphologically. Mycelial culture studies also revealed generally similar morphology with variable growth rates among taxa. Divergence-time estimates indicate a crown age of approximately 86.4 Ma for the Steccherinaceae and a predominantly Cenozoic diversification, with Steccherinum originating in the Eocene. Our findings highlight significant cryptic diversity within Steccherinum in the Neotropics and provide new insights into the taxonomy and phylogeny of the genus.

Historically, Sirococcus (established in 1855) and Gnomoniopsis (proposed in 1893) have been treated as distinct genera within Gnomoniaceae, primarily distinguished by the prevalence of their asexual and sexual morphs, respectively. However, recent molecular data have challenged this distinction. In this study, we re-evaluated the relationship between these two genera using a combined multi-locus phylogeny (ITS, tef1, and tub2) and morphological assessment. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that species of Sirococcus and Gnomoniopsis cluster within a single, robustly supported monophyletic lineage, sharing indistinguishable asexual characteristics. Consequently, we propose to synonymize Gnomoniopsis under Sirococcus following the principle of priority. Thirty-eight new combinations and a new species are proposed. Furthermore, we investigated the life cycle of Sirococcus daii comb. nov., a severe pathogen causing nut rot of Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima), for which the teleomorph was previously unknown. Through extensive sampling, we discovered the teleomorph on overwintered leaf litter, confirming the saprobic phase of its life cycle. Additionally, the fungus was isolated from healthy female flowers, young nuts, and husks, suggesting a latent or endophytic infection strategy. Based on these findings, we reconstructed the complete life cycle of S. daii. This study not only resolves the taxonomic controversy surrounding Sirococcus and Gnomoniopsis but also provides crucial epidemiological insights into S. daii, facilitating the development of effective management strategies for chestnut nut rot.

Ganoderma lingzhi is a medicinal fungus characterized by its large fruiting bodies. In this study, we collected 151 cultivated Ganoderma strains from across China and performed whole-genome resequencing. By integrating 30 publicly available G. lingzhi datasets, we successfully assembled a total of 181 complete Ganoderma mitochondrial genomes. We conducted a systematic analysis of their genomic features, intron distribution, gene order, non-synonymous/synonymous substitution rates (Ka/Ks), and phylogenetic relationships. Our results revealed that among the 151 strains we collected, 19 exhibited discordances between genetic identity and labeled names, highlighting the prevalent issue of strain misidentification in the current commercial market of G. lingzhi. The size of G. lingzhi mitogenomes ranged from 49,233 to 70,498 bp. We identified 20 distinct introns whose presence/absence was highly dynamic across the G. lingzhi samples. Based on intron distribution patterns, the samples were classified into two major groups. Comparative genomics revealed a conserved gene order across the genus, and Ka/Ks analysis indicated that the 15 core protein-coding genes were under purifying selection compared to neutral expectations. Phylogenetic analysis based on the mitogenome confirmed the monophyly of G. lingzhi. This study presents the first large-scale pan-mitogenomic analysis of G. lingzhi, revealing that intron dynamics are the primary driver of intraspecific genomic variation and differentiation. These results can be used for the precise identification, traceability, and breeding of G. lingzhi strains.

This study presents the first annotated genome of the Antarctic fungus Pseudogymnoascus australis UA-032-E, revealing significant biosynthetic potential with 44 predicted biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) identified through antiSMASH analysis. These BGCs include nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS), type I polyketide synthases (PKS), and hybrid systems, indicating a diverse capacity for secondary metabolite production. BiG-SCAPE analysis grouped these clusters into 41 gene cluster families, with most being singletons, demonstrating low genetic redundancy and high structural diversity. To activate silent pathways, we employed elicitors (NPS and LPS) across multiple culture media, successfully inducing previously undetected metabolic activity. Using an integrated LC-QTOF-MS/MS approach combined with the GNPS and SIRIUS platforms, a total of 75 features were detected, including cyclodipeptides [cyclo-(Pro-Val), cyclo-(Leu-Leu)], maculosin, and betaine lipids such as DGTS 18:2-compounds linked to stress adaptation and biological activities in the literature. The YES medium supplemented with LPS elicitation yielded the highest metabolic diversity, suggesting this combination effectively stimulates specialized metabolism. Our findings demonstrate the value of combining genomic and metabolomic approaches to unlock the chemical potential of psychrophilic fungi. The genomic resource presented here provides a foundation for future functional studies and targeted bioprospecting of this Antarctic fungus for novel metabolites with potential biotechnological applications.

Sclerotinia is a fungal genus of significant agricultural and scientific importance, as it includes multiple plant pathogens and provides an informative case study for mechanisms of host generalism. However, the taxonomy of this group remains unsettled, which hinders research on these pathogens. The last monographic treatment of Sclerotinia was published more than 40 years ago and was centered on the morphological data available at that time. Here, we examine that revision alongside other pivotal publications to trace the taxonomic history of Sclerotinia and to evaluate the morphological traits used to identify Sclerotinia species. We also briefly assess the composition of genera in the family Sclerotiniaceae, emphasising the need for a modern taxonomic investigation of the broader group. Thirteen new Sclerotinia species have been described since the last taxonomic revision, including Sclerotinia antarctica, S. asari, S. atrostipitata, S. cirsii-spinosissimi, S. ginseng, S. glacialis, S. himalayensis, S. nivalis, S. pseudoplatani, S. subarctica, S. tetraspora, S. trillii, and S. verrucispora. These species are evaluated here. Finally, several recommendations are made regarding how future taxonomic research on Sclerotinia should incorporate molecular data. We highlight potential obstacles and opportunities for this research, including the limitations of the internal transcribed spacer rDNA region (ITS) as a DNA barcode and the untapped potential of genomic data for the genus. By outlining the gaps that need to be addressed, this review charts a course toward a clearer understanding of taxonomic relationships among Sclerotinia species. This understanding will facilitate research into other aspects, such as pathogenicity and host generalism, and may ultimately contribute to improved management of the devastating diseases caused by these pathogens.

Coastal ecosystems are dynamic environments characterized by strong seasonal variability in physicochemical parameters and biological communities. In the western Mediterranean, the Region of Murcia (southeastern Spain) is characterized by notable biodiversity and ecological heterogeneity, encompassing diverse habitats, including rocky shores, sandy beaches, seagrass meadows, and the Mar Menor, one of Europe's largest hypersaline lagoons. Within these systems, marine yeasts play critical ecological roles in organic matter recycling and produce metabolites of biotechnological and medical interest. This study presents the first comprehensive survey of culturable marine yeasts from the Mediterranean coast of the Region of Murcia. From seawater and sediment samples, 415 strains were identified via internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) rDNA sequencing, revealing 90 species across 44 genera, including 78 known taxa and 12 potentially novel ones. Most isolates were assigned to the phylum Ascomycota (62%), primarily distributed among the classes Pichiomycetes, Dothideomycetes, Saccharomycetes, and Dipodascomycetes, whereas Basidiomycota accounted for the remaining 38%, mainly comprising the classes Tremellomycetes and Microbotryomycetes. The genera most represented in both seawater and sediment were Rhodotorula and Candida, and approximately 10% of the isolates corresponded to stress-tolerant black yeast-like fungi (Aureobasidium spp., Hortaea werneckii, Exophiala oligosperma, and Zalaria alba), a group notable for its taxonomic novelty and valuable biotechnological traits. Culturable yeast assemblages displayed pronounced spatiotemporal variability, with diversity generally increasing during milder seasons and in areas influenced by anthropogenic activity, suggesting the combined effect of natural gradients and human-driven alterations. Representative strains exhibited broad enzymatic capabilities, producing extracellular cellulases, proteases, xylanases, amylases, chitinases, and pectinases, underscoring their ecological role in organic matter turnover and nutrient cycling. The findings provide novel insights into the taxonomic composition and metabolic potential of marine yeasts recovered from the Mediterranean Sea and set the basis for their future exploitation in industrial and environmental biotechnology.

Numerous severe cases of neurotoxic mushroom poisoning worldwide are caused by ibotenic acid and muscimol produced by specific species belonging to section Amanita of the genus Amanita. Recent studies have demonstrated that both toxins are produced through the ibotenic acid biosynthetic gene cluster (iboBGC) in these species. In addition to these two toxins, section Amanita is also thought to include several species producing another neurotoxic compound, muscarine. However, the taxonomic distribution and evolutionary history of these toxins within the section remain poorly understood. In this study, phylogenetic analyses based on nucleotide sequences of two loci (ITS and LSU) and five loci (ITS, LSU, RPB2, TEF1, and TUB2), together with a phylogenomic analysis using 467 single-copy genes, were conducted to reconstruct the phylogenetic framework of section Amanita. BEAST analysis was used to estimate divergence times within the section. Gene identification of the iboBGC was conducted using 25 Amanita genomes, followed by phylogenetic analyses of each ibo gene. Biochemical analysis of muscarine was performed on 31 representative species. Based on these analyses, ibo genes were detected in 21 species forming a major monophyletic clade within the section Amanita, whereas muscarine was detected in eight species that constituted a small subclade nested within this clade. Finally, our phylogenetic, phylogenomic, chemotaxonomic, and molecular dating results indicate a monophyletic distribution of the iboBGC and muscarine within the section Amanita, with independent origins approximately 28 million years ago (Mya) and 15 Mya, respectively, and no evidence of subsequent losses.

Guidelines for preparing and submitting proposals to modify or enhance Chapter F of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants are set out here. Such proposals will be considered by the Fungal Nomenclature Session of the XIII International Mycological Congress, to be held in Incheon, Korea in August 2027. A timetable is established for the submission of proposals, due by 31 December 2026, their publication in IMA Fungus, the release of the 'Synopsis of proposals' and the conduct of the pre-Congress guiding vote.

Mortierellaceae are cosmopolitan, soil-inhabiting fungi that can be found in nearly all terrestrial habitat types and are therefore considered an essential part of the core soil microbiome. Many species of this family are known to endure harsh environments, including highly exposed and nutrient-depleted terrains such as glacier forefields. In these environments, microbial communities are taxonomically and functionally diverse, greatly contributing to nutrient cycling, soil organic matter formation, and plant establishment. However, there is growing understanding that Mortierellaceae diversity in these habitats remains largely undescribed. In this study, we isolated multiple fungal strains belonging to a previously unknown Mortierellaceae taxon from early stages of soil development in calcareous glacier forefields of the Alps and comprehensively characterized them using different tools: physiological tests, detection of associated bacteria, and microscopic observations (e.g., light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy) to visualize their morphology and surface structure. Additionally, whole-genome sequencing and phylogenomics were used to determine their placement within Mortierellaceae. Our results show that the isolated strains represent a new species within a previously undescribed fungal genus. Due to the strains' origin in hidden, calcareous sediments of the earliest soil developmental stages at glacier forefields, we propose the name Cryptocalciella humilis Mandolini, Szedlacsek & Peintner for this fungus.

Caves are important but understudied reservoirs of fungal diversity, particularly for genera such as Cladosporium (Cladosporiales, Dothideomycetes). This study aimed to characterise the richness of Cladosporium species from six caves in the Brazilian savannah (Cerrado) using an integrative approach combining morphology and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (ACT, ITS, RPB2, TEF1-α, and TUB). To improve species recognition in Cladosporium, selected ex-type strains were studied, for which RPB2 and TUB barcodes were also sequenced. Species were delimited using morphology and phylogenetic inferences, supplemented by the pairwise homoplasy index (PHI) test to evaluate species boundaries. Twenty-three species were identified among 94 Cladosporium isolates. The polyphasic approach resulted in the description of six new species: five in the C. cladosporioides complex (C. carsi, C. lacerdae, C. mambaiense, C. nogueirae, and C. propiciense) and one in the C. sphaerospermum complex (C. mesquitapaivae). Additionally, analyses based on morphology, genealogical concordance phylogenetic species recognition (GCPSR), and the PHI test resulted in the synonymisation of C. ribis and C. speluncae under C. bambusicola, C. brigadeirense under C. puris, and C. marinisedimentum under C. sphaerospermum. Among the previously known species identified, 11 represent new records for cave environments, with C. bambusicola being the most frequent (29.17%). These findings substantially expand the known diversity of Cladosporium in Neotropical caves, highlighting the Brazilian Cerrado as a hotspot of mycodiversity. Furthermore, ACT, RPB2, TEF1-α, and TUB are proposed as the primary phylogenetic barcodes for distinguishing closely related Cladosporium species, particularly within the C. cladosporioides complex. This study further emphasises the necessity of using a polyphasic approach to achieve accurate taxonomic resolution among Cladosporium species, trace their distribution in caves, and help to understand their ecology.

Capnodiaceae is a major family of sooty mold fungi, but its species diversity, host associations, and geographic distribution remain insufficiently documented in China. Many taxa in this family have been described based on limited morphological information or incomplete molecular datasets, resulting in unresolved generic and species boundaries. In this study, newly collected Capnodiaceae material from China was examined using morphological observations, culture characteristics, host and geographic information, and four-locus phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, LSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 sequence data. A total of 37 newly collected strains associated with 25 host plant taxa belonging to 23 genera and 19 families were included. Phylogenetic analyses resolved several well-supported lineages within Capnodiaceae and supported the recognition of one new genus, Hyphopolychaeton, and eight new species in Conidiocarpus, Leptoxyphium, Polychaeton, and Hyphopolychaeton. In addition, 11 new host records and three new records for China are documented. Host and geographic information showed that several taxa, including Conidiocarpus cinnamomi and C. caucasicus, occur on multiple host plants, indicating that host association alone should not be used as a primary criterion for species delimitation. Morphological comparisons showed that the position and structure of the conidiogenous region within the conidioma are informative for generic delimitation when congruent with multilocus phylogenetic evidence. In contrast, minor quantitative differences in conidiomatal or conidial dimensions may represent intraspecific variation when not supported by clear molecular divergence. An expanded Leptoxyphium phylogeny including all available unnamed strains further supports a conservative interpretation of species boundaries in this genus. Overall, this study provides new morphological, ecological, host-associated, geographic, and multilocus molecular data for Chinese Capnodiaceae and strengthens the reference framework for species recognition and generic delimitation in sooty mold fungi.

The genus Diaporthe comprises a functionally diverse group of fungi, inhabiting plant tissues as pathogens, endophytes, and saprobes. Many species cause significant diseases in economically and ecologically important woody plants. Despite extensive research on the taxonomy and phylogeny of Diaporthe over the past two decades, species delineation remains challenging due to the high morphological plasticity among the more than 1,000 described taxa. In practice, molecular phylogenetic divergence has become the primary criterion for species delimitation, as morphological characters often fail to resolve species boundaries. In this study, we employed an integrative taxonomic approach combining multi-locus phylogeny with morphological characterization to investigate Diaporthe isolates associated with leaf spot diseases on Fagaceae, a dominant tree family in Chinese forests. Our investigation resolved eight distinct lineages, including five novel species described herein: namely D. castanopsidicola, D. changjiangensis, D. cyclobalanopsidicola, D. liangxii, and D. lithocarpicola from Guangdong and Hainan Provinces, China. These findings significantly contribute to resolving the cryptic diversity of Diaporthe and expand our understanding of the fungal communities driving foliar diseases in Fagaceae.

Spider-pathogenic fungi serve as critical regulators of spider populations in natural systems, playing irreplaceable roles in maintaining ecological balance and also serving as reservoirs of bioactive compounds. Despite recent taxonomic refinements at the generic level, their broader phylogenetic diversity remains significantly underrepresented compared to entomopathogenic fungi. In this study, we collected several novel spider-pathogenic fungi from various provinces in China and conducted comprehensive taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses. Based on integrated morphological characterization and multigene phylogenetic analyses of five loci (ITS, nrLSU, TEF1, RPB1, and RPB2), eight novel species are described and illustrated: Arachnidicola (1), Gamszarella (1), Gibellula (2), Hevansia (1), and Liangia (1) within Cordycipitaceae; Husseyia (1) within Clavicipitaceae; and Purpureocillium (1) within Ophiocordycipitaceae. Additionally, six new combinations are proposed, one Chinese new record is reported, the type specimen of one known species is revised, and five potential cryptic species are identified. Our phylogenetic analyses provide robust evidence for the taxonomic placement of Chlorocillium and Husseyia within Clavicipitaceae. Molecular clock analysis, utilizing a dataset of five loci from 648 fungal strains, estimated the stem and crown ages of Hypocreales and indicated that spider-pathogenic fungi likely emerged during the mid-Cretaceous and subsequently diversified. Multiple lineages displayed marked trends toward host specialization, suggesting that these fungi developed highly efficient parasitic strategies to exploit constrained ecological niches. This research substantially expands the documented diversity of araneopathogenic fungi, providing a robust phylogenetic framework for elucidating their evolutionary origins and diversification patterns, while offering valuable biological resources for future biotechnological and ecological applications.

Members of the Botryosphaeriaceae are widespread fungal pathogens responsible for economically important diseases in woody plants. Despite the relevance of conidia production for understanding pathogen biology, infection processes, and disease epidemiology, sporulation in vitro remains unpredictable and inconsistent across species. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of Vogel's Minimal Medium (VMM) for inducing pycnidial and conidial development, which has recently been shown to be effective for this purpose in Diplodia sapinea, in species of Diplodia (n = 3), Lasiodiplodia (n = 2), and Neofusicoccum (n = 26). For this purpose, we used 123 isolates recently collected in the Canary Islands (Spain), as well as 67 Neofusicoccum isolates from long-term storage. All isolates were identified through multilocus phylogenetic analysis. The results showed that D. africana, D. mutila, and D. seriata were able to produce pycnidia, although only D. seriata consistently released conidia. Lasiodiplodia brasiliensis and L. theobromae successfully formed pycnidia and released conidia, while 20 of the 26 tested Neofusicoccum species formed pycnidia, of which 15 released conidia. Significant variation was observed in the time required for pycnidial development and conidial release, as well as in the quantity of conidia produced, both among and within species. Reduced sucrose concentration in VMM delayed pycnidia formation and conidial release and reduced sporulation yields in Neofusicoccum species but increased sporulation in D. africana, D. seriata, L. brasiliensis, and L. theobromae. Long-term storage on Malt Yeast Agar medium at 4 °C negatively affected sporulation in some species, including N. luteum and N. stellenboschiana. Overall, VMM provides a standardised and reproducible medium for inducing sporulation in the Botryosphaeriaceae, although notable variation persists within and between species. These findings provide a methodological foundation for future studies on the biology, pathogenicity, molecular biology, and host-pathogen interactions of these fungi.

Ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) form obligate nutritional symbioses with ambrosia fungi cultivated within their galleries. Among them, the pinhole borers (Platypodinae) are predominantly tropical, with only two representatives native to Europe. One of them, the rare and understudied Treptoplatypus oxyurus, primarily colonises Abies alba. We investigated its fungal symbionts using a cultivation-dependent approach. We identified three numerically dominant associates in the prothorax containing mycangia: Candida schatavii, Magnusiomyces fungicola, and a novel member of Ophiostomatales. The latter, Wilhelmdebeerea oxyuri gen. et sp. nov., was the most abundant and exhibited both leptographium-like and hyalorhinocladiella-like morphs. Additionally, two new yeast species of low abundance and uncertain ecological roles were isolated and described: Blastobotrys sasensis sp. nov. and Sugiyamaella casensis sp. nov., both belonging to the family Trichomonascaceae (Dipodascales). Multigene and phylogenomics analyses confirmed the distinct taxonomic placement of all three new species. The ecological roles of the identified fungi and the strength of their association with T. oxyurus require confirmation through further studies at additional locations. Our findings reveal a previously undocumented fungal diversity tightly linked to a unique pinhole borer, T. oxyurus, thereby enriching our understanding of the fungi associated with conifer-colonising beetles and their ecological and biotechnological importance.

Cordyceps cicadae is a traditional precious medicinal and edible entomogenous fungus. Its asexual fruiting bodies are highly valued in natural health food. Currently, the intrinsic mechanisms regulating fruiting body development in C. cicadae remain largely elusive. The Fus3/MAK2 homolog within the MAPK signaling pathway plays a crucial role in sexual reproduction and pathogenesis in filamentous fungi, yet its function in the fruiting body development of C. cicadae has not been reported. Therefore, this study focused on CcMAK2 from C. cicadae, constructing gene overexpression and knockout strains to analyze its impact on fungal growth and development. The results demonstrated that the knockout strain (ΔCcMAK2) failed to penetrate the insect cuticle from inside, and completely lost the ability to form fruiting bodies. In contrast, the wild-type (WT) and overexpression strain (CcMAK2OE) developed normally, indicating that CcMAK2 is essential for fruiting body formation in C. cicadae. Functional analysis revealed that the ΔCcMAK2 mutant exhibited significantly reduced levels of H2O2 and O2 .-during the fruiting stage, accompanied by increased activities of CAT and GR enzymes, as well as elevated chitinase activity. These findings suggest that the deletion of CcMAK2 is associated with alterations in ROS homeostasis and cell wall-related enzyme. Gene expression analysis further showed that the deletion of CcMAK2 led to altered transcript levels of the downstream transcription factor Ste12 and the cell wall integrity pathway-related gene CcSO. These results suggest that CcMAK2 may be involved in regulating these genes, potentially contributing to its role in fruiting body development. This study provides foundational insights into the role of CcMAK2 in fruiting body development in C. cicadae and lays groundwork for further mechanistic studies in Cordyceps and other fungi. Graphical abstract.