Entomophthorales

Definition

An order of fungi within the subphylum Entomophthoromycotina (phylum Entomophthoromycota), comprising obligate or facultative pathogens that infect insects and other arthropods. Members produce forcibly discharged conidia that adhere to host cuticle, penetrate the exoskeleton, and proliferate internally, typically killing the host and producing external sporulating cadavers. Historically classified within Zygomycetes, the group was reclassified following molecular phylogenetic studies.

Etymology

From Greek entomon (insect) + phthora (destruction, ruin) + Latin -ales (order suffix)

Example

Entomophthora muscae (family Entomophthoraceae) infects adult Diptera, causing epizootics in house fly populations; infected flies climb to elevated positions before death, a behavior manipulated by the fungus to enhance spore dispersal.

Related Terms

• entomopathogenic fungi
• Biological control
• Epizootic
• conidium
• Zygomycota
• Entomophthoraceae
• host manipulation
• mycosis

Usage Notes

The classification of Entomophthorales has been unstable: traditionally placed in Zygomycota, then segregated into Entomophthoromycotina (2007), and more recently elevated to phylum Entomophthoromycota in some systems. Specialists in biological control and insect pathology often use 'entomophthoralean fungi' informally. The order is distinguished from other entomopathogenic fungi (e.g., Hypocreales such as Beauveria and Metarhizium) by coenocytic hyphae, forcibly discharged conidia, and often complex life cycles with resting spores.