Resolving Relations Among Troublesome Species Within the Insect Pathogenic Genus Eryniopsis (Zoopagomycota: Entomophthorales)

The genus Eryniopsis (Division Zoopagomycota, Order Entomophthorales, Family Entomophoraceae) includes four obligate insect pathogenic species with similarities in morphology and biology but also distinct differences. A new fungal genus Rolandia Gryganskyi & Hajek is described which includes two species previously placed in the genus Eryniopsis. Molecular and morphological evidence support the creation of this new genus which now includes Rolandia caroliniana and Rolandia rhagionidarum. Species in the new genus have multiple forms of both primary and secondary conidia, some of which are epapillate.