Synonyms: Entomophthora anisopliae, Isaria anisopliae, Metarhizium album, Metarhizium guizhouense, Metarhizium pinghaense, Metarhizium velutinum, Penicillium anisopliae.
Common name: green muscardine disease.
Extract from Wikipedia article: Metarhizium anisopliae, formerly known as Entomophthora anisopliae (basionym), is a fungus that grows naturally in soils throughout the world and causes disease in various insects by acting as a parasitoid. Ilya I. Mechnikov named it after the insect species from which it was originally isolated – the beetle Anisoplia austriaca. It is a mitosporic fungus with asexual reproduction, which was formerly classified in the form class Hyphomycetes of the phylum Deuteromycota (also often called Fungi Imperfecti). According to Paul Stamets, it could be the answer to prevent colony collapse disorder and catastrophic famine.
Chinese: 黑殭菌.
Metarhizium anisopliae is a entomopathogenic fungus that infects and kills insects. In East and Central Texas, it has been found to be prevalent in soils, with studies indicating its presence in a variety of habitats, including agricultural fields, forests, and grasslands. The fungus has been isolated from insect hosts such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars, and has shown potential as a biological control agent for pest management in the region. Strains of M. anisopliae from East and Central Texas have demonstrated variability in their virulence and host range, with some isolates exhibiting high pathogenicity towards specific insect species.
Dead bess beetle (Odontotaenius disjunctus) with green muscardine disease caused by mold like parasitic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae(?) collected during a mushroom walk on a property at 5369 Farm to Market Road 770 near Kountze. Texas, June 8, 2019
5369 Farm to Market Rd 770, Kountze, TX 77625, USAIn East and Central Texas, observations of the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae have been recorded. A notable instance was the discovery of a dead bess beetle (Odontotaenius disjunctus) infected with green muscardine disease, likely caused by the mold-like parasitic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. This finding was made on June 8, 2019, during a mushroom walk on a property located at 5369 Farm to Market Road 770 near Kountze, Texas. The presence of this fungus in the region suggests that it may be a significant factor in controlling insect populations, particularly among beetles and other arthropods. Further observations are needed to fully understand the distribution and impact of Metarhizium anisopliae in East and Central Texas ecosystems. The fungus's ability to infect and kill insects makes it a valuable component of the local food chain and ecosystem balance.
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