Zoophthora giardii Bałazy and Conidiobolus gustafssonii Bałazy (Fungi, Entomophthorales), two entomopathogens new for Switzerland

Abstract

Meconema meridionale Costa (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) infected with Zoophthora giardii Bałazy (Entomophthorales, Entomophthoraceae) were collected at five localities in the northern half of Switzerland. At one of these sites, the fungus caused epizootics in two subsequent years. Symptoms and morphological data coincide with those given by Bałazy who found the fungus on Meconema thalassinum De Geer. Conidiobolus gustafssonii Bałazy (Entomophthorales, Ancylistaceae) was found on a single Ectobius vittiventris Costa (Blattodea, Ectobiidae). Symptoms and dimensions of the primary conidia correspond with the original description given by Bałazy who found the fungus on Ectobius lapponicus L. The two fungi are new for Switzerland and Meconema meridionale and E. vittiventris represent new hosts for these pathogens.