The first New World record for Zoophthora rhagonycharum (Bałazy) S. Keller (Zoopagomycota, Entomophthorales) infecting Rhagonycha spp. (Coleoptera, Cantharidae)

Abstract

The entomophthoralean fungus Zoophthora rhagonycharum (Bałazy) S. Keller, previously recorded in Europe from Poland and Switzerland, is now reported in North America from New York State, United States of America. On both continents, this obligate insect pathogen is known only from resting spores found within dead, adult native soldier beetles (Cantharidae) of the genus Rhagonycha Eschscholtz, 1830. Resting spores have undulating, light brown episporia. In New York, columnar rhizoids attach cadavers tightly to the undersides of leaves in the understory of hardwood forests in late June and early July.