A new report on Hesperomyces coleomegillae (Ascomycota, Laboulbeniales) parasitism of Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) in Brazil

Abstract

For the first time, the genus Hesperomyces has been reported to infect Coleomegilla maculata in laboratory mass rearing in Brazil. Thalli were found growing on several parts of this ladybird species, including the head, elytra, legs, and abdomen. Infested adults died after 60 days.

Keywords

• host–parasitic interaction
• Laboulbeniomycetes
• ectoparasitic fungi
• 12-spotted ladybird
• biotrophic parasites
• tropical fungi