Tolypocladium terricola sp. N., a new mosquito-killing species of the genus Tolypocladium Gams (Hyphomycetes).

A new entomopathogenic species of the genus Tolypocladium, T. terricola is described from a soil sample from Finalnd. From other known Tolypocladium species, T. terricola differs in morphology, production of secondary metabolites and possession of relatively strong mosquitocidal activity. The fungus is characterized by broad oval conidia (2.5 x 2 microns) with one pointed end which are produced in grape-like clusters, and are not firmly adherent. When treated with T. terricola, mosquito larvae show typical features of intoxication characterized by the concentration of larvae in the centre of cup, hanging by their siphons on the surface.