Diversity and Breadth of Host Specificity among Arthropod Pathogens in the Entomophthoromycotina

A meta-analysis based on the published literature was conducted to evaluate breadth of host ranges arthropod pathogens in fungal subphylum Entomophthoromycotina. The majority this infect insects, although arachnids (especially mites), collembola, and myriapods are also used as hosts. Most species (76%) have specialized only arthropods one family. Entomophthoromycotina is generally greater for more basal groups (Conidiobolaceae Neoconidiobolaceae), where most soil-borne saprobes few pathogens. Batkoaceae a transitionary family which all both generalists specialists occur. Among pathogen-infecting Hemiptera Diptera commonly infected insect orders. Within Hemiptera, hosts suborder Sternorrhycha were by than Auchenorrhyncha Heteroptera.