Taxonomic revision of the Ophiocordyceps ravenelii complex (Hypocreales, Ophiocordycipitaceae) from China, with an emended description and a new species

The Ophiocordyceps ravenelii complex (Ophiocordycipitaceae, Hypocreales) predominantly parasitizes Coleopteran larvae, yet its species diversity remains poorly documented, particularly on non-scarabaeid hosts. Based on morphological comparisons and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (nrSSU, nrLSU, tef 1 - α, rpb 1, rpb 2), we present a taxonomic revision of this complex from Yunnan Province, southwestern China. Specimens CXAC 0024 and CXAC 0025 are identified as Ophiocordyceps jinguangensis, for which an emended description is provided, documenting its occurrence on Elateroidea larvae and expanding its known morphological variability.

Ophiocordyceps rubroflava is described as a new species distinguished by stromata arising from the host’s back, immersed perithecia, and cylindrical part-spores. Both taxa form well-supported independent lineages within the O. ravenelii clade, closely related to O. formosana, O. melolonthae and O. neovolkiana. These findings expand the known diversity and host range of the O. ravenelii complex in East Asia and underscore the need for continued surveys of Coleopteran-associated Ophiocordyceps in under-explored regions.