Stethorus pusillus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) as a host of the ectoparasitic fungus Hesperomyces coccinelloides (Ascomycota: Laboulbeniales: Laboulbeniaceae) in Poland

Abstract

Abstract The laboulbenialean fungus Hesperomyces coccinelloides (THAXTER) THAXTER is known to be an obligate ectoparasite of beetles belonging to the coccinellid subfamily Scymninae. It has been reported from several regions in the world, mostly tropical and subtropical localities. This paper reports the first records of H. coccinelloides from Poland. The parasitic thalli were found growing on the elytra of Stethorus pusillus (HERBST) specimens collected in two adjacent localities in the vicinity of Warsaw.