# Unravelling the diversity Behind the Ophiocordyceps Unilateralis Complex: Three new species of zombie-ant fungi from the Brazilian Amazon

## TL;DR

Scientists discovered three new species of zombie-ant fungi in the Brazilian Amazon that manipulate ant behavior to aid spore dispersal.

## Contribution

The study describes three new host-specific Ophiocordyceps species and reveals their phylogenetic relationships using molecular techniques.

## Key findings

- Three new Ophiocordyceps species were identified based on ascospore morphology and host specificity.
- Molecular analysis clarified the phylogenetic relationships within the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis complex.
- The fungi manipulate Camponotus ants to aid spore dispersal in the Amazonian ecosystem.

## Abstract

In tropical forests, one of the most common relationships between parasites and insects is that between the fungus Ophiocordyceps (Ophiocordycipitaceae, Hypocreales, Ascomycota) and ants, especially within the tribe Camponotini. Here, we describe three new and host-specific species of the genus Ophiocordyceps on Camponotus ants from the central Amazonian region of Brazil, which can readily be separated using morphological traits, in particular, ascospore form and function. In addition, we use sequence data to infer phylogenetic relationships between these taxa and closely related species within the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis complex, as well as with other members of the family Ophiocordycipitaceae.