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The genus Filobasidium , a member of the family Filobasidiaceae in the order Filobasidiales, is a group of basidiomycetes with many representative species. To date, 14 species have been described and accepted in Filobasidium . Although some newfound species from China have recently been published, the species diversity of Filobasidium remains incompletely understood. Samples from various areas of China were obtained and examined to investigate the species diversity of the genus. Three new species, namely F.pseudomali sp. nov. , F.castaneae sp. nov. , and F.qingyuanense sp. nov. , were introduced based on phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the ITS sequence alone coupled with phenotypic characteristics. Full descriptions, illustrations, comparisons with similar species, and phylogenetic analyses are provided. Findings from this study substantially enrich the biodiversity of Filobasidium in China., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Chun-Yue Chai, Zhi-Wen Xi, Qiu-Hong Niu, Feng-Li Hui.)

The genus Vishniacozyma , globally distributed, encompasses numerous epiphytic and endophytic species. In this study, five new species are proposed to accommodate eleven yeast strains isolated from leaves of different plants: V.diospyri sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33574 T ), V.guiyangensis sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33569 T ), V.pingtangensis sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33596 T ), V.eriobotryae sp. nov. (holotype GDMCC 2.312 T ), and V.tianchiensis sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33617 T ) using phenotypic and phylogenetic characters. Phylogenetic analysis was based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene. Illustrations and descriptions of these five taxa are provided, along with comparative analyses with closely related species within the genus. This research highlights the considerable diversity of Vishniacozyma species in China and contributes valuable data for future investigations in fungal systematics and evolution., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Shan Liu, Dan-Yang Cai, Chun-Yue Chai, Feng-Li Hui.)

Two novel yeast strains, NYNU 236247 and NYNU 23523, were isolated from the leaves of Carpinus turczaninowii Hance, collected in the Tianchi Mountain National Forest Park, Henan Province, central China. Phylogenetic analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region revealed the closest relatives of the strains are three described Pseudobensingtonia species: Ps. fusiformis , Ps. musae and Ps. ingoldii . The novel species differed from the type strains of these three species by 12 to 22 nucleotide substitutions and 1 gap (~2.0-4.0%) in the D1/D2 domain and by 78 to 100 nucleotide mismatches (~12.0-16%) in the ITS region. Physiologically, the novel species differs from Ps. fusiformis and Ps. musae in its ability to assimilate dl-lactate and melezitose and from Ps. ingoldii by its inability to assimilate melibiose, soluble starch and ethanol. Pseudobensingtonia carpini sp. nov. is proposed for those two strains, with the holotype designated as GDMCC 2.483 T (MycoBank MB 857072).

Two yeast strains, NYNU 224191 and NYNU 22411, were isolated from plant leaves of Cyclobalanopsis jenseniana and Schisandra sp. harvested from Qingyuan Mountain, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, southeast China. Molecular phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that these two strains represent a novel species in the genus Meira . They are more closely related to M. marina , M. nashicola , M. plantarum and M. pileae than other Meira species based on phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene. The novel species differed from its closest relatives, M. marina , M. nashicola , M. plantarum and M. pileae , by 1.8-2% sequence divergence (11-12 substitutions and 1-2 gaps) in the D1/D2 domain and over 6.7% sequence divergence (40-60 substitutions and 53-77 gaps) in the ITS region, respectively. We propose the name Meira qingyuanensis sp. nov. (Holotype CICC 33567; Mycobank MB 855328) for the new species, which differs phenotypically from M. marina , M. plantarum and M. pileae in its ability to assimilate methyl- α -d-glucoside and the inability to assimilate salicin, and from M. nashicola in its ability to assimilate nitrate and nitrite and grow at 30 °C.

Kockovaella , in the family Cuniculitremaceae of the order Tremellales , is a globally distributed genus of blastoconidia-forming fungi. Currently, 23 species have been described and accepted as members of the genus. In this study, five yeast strains were isolated from plant leaf surfaces collected in the Fujian and Guizhou Provinces of China and identified through a combination of morphological and molecular methods. The related phenotypic features and molecular phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, LSU, and RPB1 sequences demonstrated that they were members of three novel Kockovaella species: K.iteae sp. nov. , K.quanzhouensis sp. nov. , and K.sambucuse sp. nov. These species were described in detail and discussed relative to other species. This study demonstrated the novel geographical distribution as well as the high species diversity of Kockovaella in China and offered more data for further studies in fungal systematics and evolution., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Chun-Yue Chai, Zhi-Wen Xi, Qiu-Hong Niu, Feng-Li Hui.)

A novel basidiomycete yeast species represented by strain NYNU 2211328 was isolated from a leaf of Akebia trifoliata collected from the Baotianman Nature Reserve in Henan Province, central China. Phylogenetic analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region suggested that this strain is closely related to Naohidea sebacea CBS 8477, exhibiting the similarity values of 96.5% and 91.3% in the D1/D2 domain and the ITS region, respectively. Physiologically, the novel strain differs from N. sebacea in its ability to assimilate inulin, trehalose and d-arabinose, its inability to assimilate dl-lactate and its incapability of growth at 30 °C. Both phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses indicated that the isolated strain represents a novel species in the genus Naohidea , and the name Naohidea akebiae fa. sp. nov. (holotype: CICC 33584; MycoBank number: MB 855585) is proposed.

Two yeast strains, NYNU 236122 and NYNU 236180, were isolated from plant leaves collected in Tianchi Mountain, Henan Province, central China. Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed the closest relatives of the strains are three described Kondoa species, Kondoa chamaenerii , Kondoa miscanthi , and Kondoa subrosea . Genetically, the isolated strains differed from the type strains of their three related species by 2-11(0.2-1.8%) base substitutions in the D1/D2 domain, 16-40 (2.6-5.6%) base mismatches in the internal transcribed spacer region, and more than 10.1% base substitutions in the partial RPB2 gene. Furthermore, the two strains differ physiologically from their closest related species, K. chamaenerii , in their ability to assimilate dl-lactate, nitrite, and l-lysine and their inability to assimilate nitrate. Additionally, they differ from K. miscanthi and K. subrosea in their ability to assimilate inulin, d-gluconate, and l-lysine. The species name of Kondoa tianchiensis f.a., sp. nov. is proposed with holotype CICC 33616 T (Mycobank MB 853544).

Candida is a polyphyletic genus of asexually reproducing yeasts in the Saccharomycotina with more than 400 species that occur in almost all families of the subclass and its name is strongly connected with the infectious disease candidiasis. During the last two decades, approximately half of the Candida species have been reassigned into more than 36 already existing genera and 14 newly proposed genera, but the polyphyletic feature of the genus largely remained. Candida auris is an important, globally emerging opportunistic pathogen that has caused life-threatening outbreaks in healthcare facilities worldwide. This species belongs to the Candida auris-Candida haemuli (CAH) clade in the Metschnikowiaceae , a clade that contains multidrug-resistant clinically relevant species, but also species isolated from natural environments. The clade is phylogenetically positioned remotely from the type species of the genus Candida that is Candida vulgaris (currently interpreted as a synonym of Candida tropicalis ) and belongs to the family Debaryomycetaceae . Although previous phylogenetic and phylogenomic studies confirmed the position of C. auris in the Metschnikowiaceae , these analyses failed to resolve the position of the CAH clade within the family and its delimitation from the genera Clavispora and Metschnikowia . To resolve the position of the CAH clade, phylogenomic and comparative genomics analyses were carried out to address the phylogenetic position of C. auris and related species in the Metschnikowiaceae using several metrics, such as the average amino acid identity (AAI) values, the percentage of conserved proteins (POCP) and the presence-absence patterns of orthologs (PAPO). Based on those approaches, 13 new genera are proposed for various Candida and Hyphopichia species, including members of the CAH clade in the Metschnikowiaceae . As a result, C. auris and related species are reassigned to the genus Candidozyma . Fifty-five new combinations and nine new species are introduced and this will reduce the polyphyly of the genus Candida . Citation : Liu F, Hu Z-D, Zhao X-M, et al. 2024. Phylogenomic analysis of the Candida auris-Candida haemuli clade and related taxa in the Metschnikowiaceae, and proposal of thirteen new genera, fifty-five new combinations and nine new species. Persoonia 52: 22-43. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2024.52.02 ., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (© 2024 Naturalis Biodiversity Center & Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute.)

Two yeast strains were isolated from rotting wood samples collected on Qingyuan Mountain, Fujian Province, PR China. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the concatenated sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene, revealed that these two strains represent a novel species of the genus Cyberlindnera . The proposed name for this new species is Cyberlindnera qingyuanensis f.a., sp. nov. (holotype: GDMCC 2.300; ex-type: PYCC 9925) although the formation of ascospores was not observed. The novel species differs from its close relative Cyberlindnera galapagoensis by 7.7% sequence divergence (37 substitutions and seven indels) in the D1/D2 domain and 9.7% sequence divergence (42 substitutions and 34 indels) in the ITS region, respectively. Additionally, Cyb. qingyuanensis differs from its close relative Cyb. galapagoensis by its ability to grow in cellobiose, l-rhamnose, ribitol, galactitol, and dl-lactate, its growth at 37 °C, and its inability to ferment raffinose. The Mycobank number is MB 854693.

Teunia , belonging to the family Cryptococcaceae of the order Tremellales, is a genus of plant-inhabiting fungi distributed across the globe. Its members form associations with different plant parts, including flowers, fruits, leaves, seeds, and twigs. Recent efforts have aimed to explore the diversity of Teunia in China, however, many geographical regions have not yet been explored. In this study, we included results of five Teunia yeast strains that were isolated from plant materials collected in Fujian, Guizhou and Henan provinces, with descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic analyses of three new species: T.acericola , T.mussaendrae isolated from leaf surfaces in Fujian, Guizhou and Henan Provinces, and T.qingyuanensis obtained from rotting wood in Fujian Province., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Qi-Chao Guo, Shan Liu, Ya-Zhuo Qiao, Feng-Li Hui.)

Three yeast strains belonging to the ascomycetous yeast genus Pichia were isolated from two soil samples from Yunnan and Guizhou provinces and a marine water sample from Liaoning province, PR China. Phylogenetic analyses based on the sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit(LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region indicate that these three strains, together with 12 additional strains isolated from various substrates collected in different regions or countries of the world, represent a novel species of the genus Pichia , for which the name Pichia kurtzmaniana sp. nov. (holotype: strain CGMCC 2.7213) is proposed. The novel species differs from its close relatives Candida californica by eight (1.5 %) and 26 (11.1 %) mismatches in the D1/D2 domains and the ITS region, respectively; and from Pichia chibodasensis by 11 (2.1 %) and 20 (8.7 %) mismatches in the D1/D2 domains and the ITS region, respectively. In addition, eight Candida species which belong to the Pichia clade are transferred to the genus Pichia , resulting in the proposal of the following new combinations: Pichia cabralensis comb. nov., Pichia californica comb. nov., Pichia ethanolica comb. nov., Pichia inconspicua comb. nov., Pichia phayaonensis comb. nov., Pichia pseudolambica comb. nov., Pichia rugopelliculosa comb. nov., and Pichia thaimueangensis comb. nov.

Wickerhamomyces is a well-known genus of the family Wickerhamomycetaceae in the class Ascomycetes. These fungi can survive in a variety of substrates and environments and perform many valuable roles in both industrial processes and the natural ecosystems. During our investigation of yeast diversity associated with plant materials, 53 Wickerhamomyces isolates were obtained from rotting wood and plant leaves collected in Fujian, Guizhou, Henan, and Yunnan Provinces of China. Isolates were identified as 14 Wickerhamomyces species, including 1 species known previously to occur in China ( W. anomalus ), 9 new record species in China ( W. arborarius , W. ciferrii , W. edaphicus , W. lynferdii , W. pijperi , W. subpelliculosa , W. xylosica , W. strasburgensis , and W. sydowiorum ), and 4 novel species ( W. guiyangensis sp. nov., W. paramyanmarensis sp. nov., W. quanzhouensis sp. nov., and W. phyllophilus sp. nov.). This study presents a detailed account of these new species, illustrating their morphology and analyzing their phylogenetic relationships with other Wickerhamomyces species. Our study is the first comprehensive study on Wickerhamomyces species associated with plant materials from tropical and subtropical China. The results of this study update our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships, systematics, and ecology of Wickerhamomyces ., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Chai, Ke, Niu and Hui.)

The genus Erythrobasidium is kind of species-scarce and undersampling basidiomycetes. Currently, only six species have been accepted into the genus and the diversity still remains incompletely understood. In this study, five Erythrobasidium strains were isolated in the surface of plant leaves collected from the Baotianman Nature Reserve, Henan Province, central China. Phylogenetic analyses of the small ribosomal subunit (SSU) rRNA gene, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene, and the translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1-α) gene coupled with morphological studies were employed to characterize and identify these isolates. As a result of these, two new species, namely E. turpiniae sp. nov. and E. nanyangense sp. nov., were delimited and proposed based on morphological and molecular evidence. A detailed description and illustration of both new species, as well as their differences with the close relatives in the genus are provided. An identification key for Erythrobasidium species is also provided. This study provides further insights into our understanding of Erythrobasidium species., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Lu, Chai and Hui.)

The genus Dioszegia is comprised of anamorphic basidiomycetous yeasts and is classified in the family Bulleribasidiaceae of the order Tremellales. Currently, 24 species have been described and accepted as members of the genus, although its diversity and global distribution have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, yeasts were isolated from plant leaves collected in the Guizhou and Henan Provinces of China and identified through a combination of morphological and molecular methods. Phylogenetic analyses of the combined ITS and LSU sequences coupled with morphological studies revealed three novel species, D.guizhouensis sp. nov. , D.foliicola sp. nov. , and D.aurantia sp. nov. , proposed here. Additionally, our phylogenetic analyses suggest that the recently discovered species D.terrae is a synonym of D.maotaiensis . This study presents detailed descriptions and illustrations of three new Dioszegia species and highlights distinctions between them and their close relatives. The findings of this study contribute to our knowledge of the biodiversity of Dioszegia , offering a foundation for future research., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Ya-Zhuo Qiao, Shan Liu, Qiu-Hong Niu, Feng-Li Hui.)

A yeast strain (CGMCC 2.6937 T ) belonging to the ascomycetous yeast genus Saturnispora was recently isolated from soil collected in Xinghuacun, Shanxi Province, PR China. The strain produces one or two ellipsoid or spherical ascospores in asci formed by the conjugation between a cell and its bud. Phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene suggest that this strain is conspecific with strains NYNU 14639 isolated from rotten wood collected in Funiu Mountain, Henan province and ES13S05 from soil collected in Nantou County, Taiwan. The CGMCC 2.6937 T group is most closely related to Saturnispora dispora and Saturnispora zaruensis . However, strain CGMCC 2.6937 T differs from S. dispora by 17 (3.2 %, 13 substitutions and four gaps) and 77 (18.8 %, 52 substitutions and 25 gaps) mismatches, and from S. zaruensis by 15 (2.9 %, 12 substitutions and three gaps) and 64 (15.6 %, 44 substitutions and 20 gaps) mismatches, in the D1/D2 domain and ITS region, respectively. The results suggest that the CGMCC 2.6937 T group represents an undescribed species in the genus Saturnispora , for which the name Saturnispora sinensis sp. nov. is proposed. The holotype strain is CGMCC 2.6937 T .

During our ongoing survey of basidiomycetous yeasts associated with plant leaves in virgin forest, five Colacogloea strains were isolated in the Baotianman Nature Reserve, Henan Province, central China. Phenotypes from cultures and a phylogeny based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene were employed to characterize and identify these isolates. As a result, two new species, namely Colacogloeaceltidis sp. nov. and C.pararetinophila sp. nov. , are introduced herein. In the phylogeny of combined ITS and LSU dataset, the new species C.celtidis sp. nov. formed a clade with the unpublished Colacogloea strain (KBP: Y-6832), and together these formed the sister group to C.armeniacae , while C.pararetinophila sp. nov. was retrieved as a sister to C.retinophila . A detailed description and illustration of both new species, as well as the differences between them and their closest relatives in the genus are provided. Results from the present study will add to our knowledge of the biodiversity of Colacogloea in China., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Yun-Feng Lu, Chun-Yue Chai, Feng-Li Hui.)

Two yeast strains (NYNU 211162 and NYNU 211275) were isolated from rotting wood collected in the Baotianman Nature Reserve, Henan Province, central China. Phylogenetic analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region revealed that the strains represent a phylogenetically distinct species within the genus Spencermartinsiella . The name Spencermartinsiella henanensis fa., sp. nov. is proposed for this species with holotype CICC 33543 T (Mycobank MB 851142). S. henanensis sp. nov. differed by only 3 nt (~0.5 %) substitutions from the closest known species S. europaea NCAIM Y.01817 T in the D1/D2 domain, but by 33 nt (~6 %) substitutions, 34 nt (~3.8 %) substitutions, 30 nt (~5.6 %) substitutions and 75 nt (~9.9 %) substitutions in the ITS region and the partial TEF1 , COXII and RPB2 genes. Additionally, S. henanensis sp. nov. can be physiologically distinguished from S. europaea by its ability to assimilate inulin, inability to assimilate ethylamine and cadaverine, and incapability of growth at 30 °C.

Two strains (NYNU 218101 and NYNU 218104) of an asexual yeast species were isolated from insect frass collected in insect tunnels of red leaf plum trees in the Henan Province, central China. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region showed that these two strains belonged to the genus Danielozyma , with Danielozyma litseae as the closest known species. They differed from the type strain of D. litseae by 0.6 % substitutions (three substitutions and one gap) in the D1/D2 domain and by 5.1 % substitutions (19 substitutions and six gaps) in the ITS region, respectively. When compared with the partial ACT1 , TEF1 and RPB1 gene sequences, they differed by 3 % (26 substitutions), 2.7 % (25 substitutions) and 9 %(54 substitutions) from D. litseae NRRL YB-3246 T in these regions. Physiologically, they also differed from its closest known species D. litseae based on the ability to assimilate inulin and galactitol, as well as to grow in 0.1 % cycloheximide and its inability to ferment maltose and raffinose. In order to classify the two new isolates based on morphological and molecular evidence, we proposed the description of a novel species Danielozyma pruni sp. nov. with strain JCM 35735 T as holotype (Mycobank MB 849101).

Two apiculate strains (NYNU 181072 and NYNU 181083) of a bipolar budding yeast species were isolated from rotting wood samples collected in Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest in Yunnan Province, southwest PR China. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics and the results of phylogenetic analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the actin ( ACT1 ) gene, the two strains were found to represent a single novel species of the genus Hanseniaspora , for which the name Hanseniaspora menglaensis f.a., sp. nov. (holotype CICC 33364 T ; MycoBank MB 847437) is proposed. In the phylogenetic tree, H. menglaensis sp. nov. showed a close relationship with Hanseniaspora lindneri , Hanseniaspora mollemarum , Hanseniaspora smithiae and Hanseniaspora valbyensis . H. menglaensis sp. nov. differed from H. lindneri , the most closely related known species, by 1.2 % substitutions in the D1/D2 domain, 2.5 % substitutions in the ITS region and 5.4 % substitutions in the ACT1 gene, respectively. Physiologically, H. menglaensis sp. nov. can also be distinguished from H. lindneri by its ability to assimilate d-gluconate.

The genus Bannoa is a small group of ballistoconidium-forming yeasts in the family Erythrobasidiaceae (Cystobasidiomycetes). Prior to this study, seven species belonging to this genus have been described and published. In this study, phylogenetic analyzes of Bannoa based on the combined sequences of the small ribosomal subunit (SSU) rRNA gene, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene (LSU) and the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (TEF1-α) were conducted. Three new species, namely B. ellipsoidea , B. foliicola , and B. pseudofoliicola , were delimited and proposed based on morphological and molecular evidence. B. ellipsoidea was found to be closely related to the type strains of B. guamensis , B. hahajimensis , and B. tropicalis , but with 0.7-0.9% divergence (4-5 substitutions) in the LSU D1/D2 domains and 3.7-4.1% divergence (19-23 substitutions and one-two gaps) in the ITS regions. B. foliicola was found to belong to the same clade as B. pseudofoliicola from which it differed by 0.4% divergence (two substitutions) in the LSU D1/D2 domains and 2.3% divergence (13 substitutions) in the ITS regions. The distinguishing morphological characteristics of the three new species, with respect to closely related taxa, are discussed. The identification of these new taxa significantly increases the number of Bannoa that have been described on the surface of plant leaves. Additionally, a key for the identification of Bannoa species is provided., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Chai, Lei, Chu and Hui.)

A novel yeast species is described based on three strains isolated from rotting wood samples from Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest in Yunnan Province, PR China. Strain NYNU 1811121 was isolated in Menglun, Mengla, while strains NYNU 18982 and NYNU 181096 were recovered in Mengyang, Jinghong. Analysis of the sequences of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) revealed that the novel strains were closely related to the type strain of [ Candida ] sanyiensis , but with 6.9 % nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domain and 8.2 % substitutions in the ITS region. The three novel strains can also be distinguished from C. sanyiensis in terms of the ability to assimilate trehalose and d-gluconate and to grow at 35 °C, as well as the inability to ferment glucose. Based on molecular analyses and phenotypic characteristics, the name Barnettozyma menglunensis f.a., sp. nov. is proposed with the holotype CBS 16011 T (MycoBank 845375).

Two strains of a novel ascomycetous yeast species were isolated from rotting wood samples collected in Jiuxi Mountain Forest Park in Yunnan Province, southwest China. Both strains formed one or two spherical ascospores in persistent asci. Phylogenetic analysis of the concatenated sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene revealed that the novel strains represented a phylogenetically distinct species belonging to the genus Torulaspora . This novel species differed from the type strains of the closest known species, Torulaspora nypae and Torulaspora maleeae , by 0.9 and 1.2 % nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domain and 5.3 and 6 % nucleotide substitutions in the ITS region, respectively. The novel species can also be distinguished from T. nypae and T. maleeae in terms of the ability to assimilate ribitol, succinate and citrate, and its ability to grow at 37 °C. The species name of Torulaspora jiuxiensis sp. nov. is proposed with holotype CBS 16004 T (Mycobank MB 844535).

Species in the genus Clavispora have previously been reported primarily in the northeast and northwest regions of China; the species diversity of Clavispora in central China is not currently clear. In this study, phylogenetic inferences of Clavispora based on sequences of a single-locus (LSU D1/D2) and a two-locus (LSU D1/D2 and ITS) were conducted. Two new species isolated from rotting wood in central China, namely Clavispora xylosa sp. nov. and Clavispora paralusitaniae sp. nov., were delimited and proposed based on morphological and molecular evidence. Cl. xylosa was closely related to C. thailandica CBS 10610 T , but with 11.5% divergence in the LSU D1/D2 domains and 11.5% divergence in the ITS regions. Cl. paralusitaniae was a sister to Cl. lusitaniae CBS 6936 T from which it differs with 4.7% divergence in the LSU D1/D2 domains and 5.4% divergence in the ITS regions. Description of Cl. xylosa sp. nov. and Cl. paralusitaniae sp. nov. was also supported by morphological comparisons and genomic analyses between the two new species and their closest relatives, C. thailandica CBS 10610 T and Cl. lusitaniae CBS 6936 T . These results indicate a potentially great diversity of Clavispora spp. inhabiting rotting wood in central China, ripe for future discovery., Competing Interests: Z-LY was employed by the company Henan Tianguan Enterprise Group Co., Ltd. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Chai, Li, Yan and Hui.)

Trichomonascaceae is the largest family of ascomycetous yeast in the order Saccharomycetales. In spite of the extensive body of research on Trichomonascaceae in China, there remain new species to be discovered. Here, we describe four new species isolated from several rotting wood samples from Henan Province, Central China. Phylogenetic analysis of a combined ITS and nrLSU dataset with morphological studies revealed four new species in the Trichomonascaceae: Diddensiellaluoyangensis , Sugiyamaellacylindrica , Su.robnettiae , and Zygoascusdetingensis . Clustering in the Diddensiella clade, D.luoyangensis ' closest neighbour was D.transvaalensis . Meanwhile, Su.cylindrica clustered in the Sugiyamaella clade closest to Su.marilandica and Su.qingdaonensis . Also clustering in the Sugiyamaella clade, Su.robnettiae was most closely related to Su.chuxiongensis . Finally, Z.detingensis occupied a distinct and separated basal branch from the other species of the genus Zygoascus . These results indicate a high species diversity of Trichomonascaceae., (Chun-Yue Chai, Wan-Li Gao, Zhen-Li Yan, Feng-Li Hui.)

Two strains representing a novel yeast species were isolated from plant leaves collected in the Baotianman Nature Reserve in Henan Province, central China. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene revealed that the novel species belonged to the genus Hyphopichia , although the formation of ascospores was not observed. The novel species was related most closely to Hyphopichia paragotoi CBS 13913 T but they differed by 0.9 % sequence divergence (five substitutions) in the D1/D2 domain and by 3.7 % sequence divergence (seven substitutions and eight gaps) in the ITS region. Furthermore, the novel species can also be differentiated from the closely related species in some biochemical and physiological characteristics. The species name of Hyphopichia xiaguanensis f.a., sp. nov. (Holotype CBS 16668, Mycobank MB 842425) is proposed to accommodate strains NYNU 20899 T and NYNU 20914.

Kodamaea includes a growing number of interesting yeasts of the family Debaryomycetacae that are widely distributed in temperate, subtropical and tropical regions of different continents. During recent yeast collections in Henan and Yunnan Province in China, several isolates of Kodamaea were obtained from rotting wood, all of which represent undescribed taxa. Based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses (ITS and LSU rDNA), three new species are proposed: K.hongheensis f.a., sp. nov. , K.ovata f.a., sp. nov. and K.yamadae f.a., sp. nov. In addition, sixteen Candida species, which are members of the Kodamaea clade based on phylogenetic analysis, are transferred to Kodamaea as new combinations. Our results indicate high species diversity of Kodamaea waiting to be discovered in rotting wood from tropical and subtropical China., (Chun-Yue Chai, Wan-Li Gao, Ying Li, Zhen-Li Yan, Feng-Li Hui.)

Yamadazyma is one of the largest genera in the family Debaryomycetaceae (Saccharomycetales, Saccharomycetes) with species mainly found in rotting wood, insects and their resulting frass, but also recovered from flowers, leaves, fruits, tree bark, mushrooms, sea water, minerals, and the atmosphere. In the present study, several strains obtained from rotting wood in Henan and Yunnan Provinces of China were isolated. Based on morphology and a molecular phylogeny of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rDNA, these strains were identified as three new species: Yamadazymaluoyangensis , Y.ovata and Y.paraaseri ; and three previously described species, Y.insectorum , Y.akitaensis , and Y.olivae . The three new species are illustrated and their morphology and phylogenetic relationships with other Yamadazyma species are discussed. Our results indicate a high undiscovered diversity of Yamadazyma spp. inhabiting rotting wood in China., (Wan-Li Gao, Ying Li, Chun-Yue Chai, Zhen-Li Yan, Feng-Li Hui.)

Species of the genus Sugiyamaella (Trichomonascaceae, Saccharomycetales), found in rotting wood in China, were investigated using morphology and the molecular phylogeny of a combined ITS and nrLSU dataset. Nine taxa were collected in China: two were new species (viz. Sugiyamaella chuxiong sp. nov. and S. yunanensis sp. nov. ) and seven were known species, S. americana , S. ayubii , S. novakii , S. paludigena , S. valenteae , S. valdiviana and S. xiaguanensis . The two new species are illustrated and their morphology and phylogenetic relationships with other Sugiyamaella species are discussed. Our results indicate a potentially great diversity of Sugiyamaella spp. inhabiting rotting wood in China just waiting to be discovered., (Cheng-Feng Shi, Kai-Hong Zhang, Chun-Yue Chai, Zhen-Li Yan, Feng-Li Hui.)

Spathaspora is an important genus of d-xylose-fermenting yeasts that are poorly studied in China. During recent yeast collections in Yunnan Province in China, 13 isolates of Spathaspora were obtained from rotting wood and all represent undescribed taxa. Based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses (ITS and nuc 28S), five new species are proposed: Spathaspora elongata , Sp. mengyangensis , Sp. jiuxiensis , Sp. parajiuxiensis and Sp. rosae . Our results indicate a high species diversity of Spathaspora waiting to be discovered in rotting wood from tropical and subtropical southwest China. In addition, the two Candida species, C. jeffriesii and C. materiae , which are members of the Spathaspora clade based on phylogeny, are transferred to Spathaspora as new combinations., (Shi-Long Lv, Chun-Yue Chai, Yun Wang, Zhen-Li Yan, Feng-Li Hui.)

In a study on the fungal diversity in Northeast China, twelve yeast isolates were obtained from soils collected in three provinces, Helongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning. Morphological assessment and phylogenetic analyses of the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domains of the nuc 28S rDNA (nuc 28S) gene of the 12 cultures placed them in the genus Mrakia , namely Mrakia aquatica , Mrakia arctica , Mrakia frigida , Mrakia gelida and Mrakia robertii . A total of three isolates represented a hitherto undescribed species, which is described here as M. panshiensis sp. nov. (MB 834813). The species M. panshiensis sp. nov. shares several morphological characters with M. niccombsii , M. aquatica , M. fibulata and M. hoshinonis . These species can be distinguished based on physiological traits and pairwise rDNA sequence similarities. The study also describes for the first time the formation of teliospores by previously described M. arctica ., (Kai-Hong Zhang, Cheng-Feng Shi, Chun-Yue Chai, Feng-Li Hui.)

Three species of Scheffersomyces were identified during a diversity study of yeasts. All three are associated with insects and rotting wood in China. Phylogenetic analyses of a genomic dataset combining ITS and nrLSU revealed that these new collections are distinct from known species, thus three new species are introduced i.e. S. jinghongensis , S. paraergatensis , and S. anoplophorae . In our phylogenetic analyses, Scheffersomyces jinghongensis possesses a strong independent lineage and is closely related to S. titanus . S. paraergatensis is closely related to S. ergatensis , while S. anoplophorae is related to S. stambukii. Several differences in physiological traits and molecular data indicate that S. jinghongensis , S. paraergatensis , and S. anoplophorae are three newly identified species., (Ran-Ran Jia, Shi-Long Lv, Chun-Yue Chai, Feng-Li Hui.)

Five yeast strains were isolated from the gut of the groundbeetle Pterostichus gebleri and rotting wood, which were collected from two different localities in China. These strains were identified as representing two novel species of the genus Blastobotrys through comparison of sequences in the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene and other taxonomic characteristics. Blastobotrys baotianmanensis sp. nov. produces two to three spherical ascospores per ascus, and is most closely related to the type strains of B. elegans , B. capitulata , B. arbuscula , and an undescribed species represented by strain BG02-7-20-006A-3-1. Blastobotrys baotianmanensis sp. nov. differed from these strains by 3.6-8.4 % divergence (21-46 substitutions and 0-4 gaps) in the D1/D2 sequences. Blastobotrys xishuangbannaensis f.a., sp. nov. is closely related to B. nivea , B. elegans and B. aristata but the formation of ascospores was not observed on various sporulation media, and it differed from its relatives by 6.2-8.5 % divergence (34-43 substitutions and 2-6 gaps) in the D1/D2 sequences. The holotype of Blastobotrys baotianmanensis sp. nov. is NYNU 1581 and the holotype of Blastobotrys xishuangbannaensis f.a., sp. nov. is NYNU 181030.

Objective: To develop a promising approach for tumor immunotherapy with G250 antigen-based DNA vaccine and to investigate its anti-tumor response in mice with renal cell carcinoma., Materials and Methods: G250 derived from human, monkey and mouse were prepared by PCR. The heterogeneous chimeric G250 gene was obtained by integrating different gene fragments of three species. Then, the chimeric G250 was inserted into a eukaryotic expression plasmid pVAX1-IRES-GM/B7 to obtain DNA vaccine (named pVAX1-tG250-GM/B7) which could express chimeric G250 antigen and immune adjuvants simultaneously. By transfecting into Cos7 cells, the expression of chimeric G250 antigen was tested using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence assay. The immunological response and protection against tumor were evaluated in vivo., Results: Recombinant plasmid DNA vaccine was constructed successfully through identification of PCR and gene sequencing. The chimeric G250 antigen was well expressed in Cos7 cells. A strong immune response can be detected through ELISPOT and ELISA induced by pVAX1-tG250-GM/B7. The mice vaccinated with pVAX1-tG250-GM/B7, balb/c showed significant inhibition of tumor and a longer time of survival compared with control group., Conclusions: The experimental results of this study exhibited that the DNA vaccine based on heterogeneous chimeric antigen can produce efficient anti-tumor effect in vivo and they represent a promising strategy for tumor immunotherapy.

Five yeast strains were isolated from rotting wood samples collected in the Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest, Yunnan Province, PR China. Phylogenetic analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene indicated that these strains represent two novel species of the genus Kazachstania. Kazachstania jinghongensis sp. nov. produces one to two spherical ascospores per ascus, and is most closely related to Kazachstania lodderae and Kazachstania spencerorum. Kazachstania jinghongensis sp. nov. differed from the type strains of the two latter species by 13-24 substitutions in the D1/D2 domains and by 39-56 substitutions in the ITS regions. Kazachstania menglunensis f.a., sp. nov. is a member of the Kazachstania jiainica subclade, but the formation of ascospores was not observed on various sporulation media. Kazachstania menglunensis sp. nov. differed from other members of the subclade by 23-26 substitutions in the D1/D2 domains and by more than 67 substitutions in the ITS regions. The holotype of Kazachstania jinghongensis sp. nov. is NYNU 17944 (CBS 15232) and the holotype of Kazachstania menglunensis sp. nov. is NYNU 18913 (CBS 16054).

Four strains, NYNU 15610, NYNU 15612, NYNU 15613 and NYNU 15615, of a novel ascomycetous yeast were isolated from the gut of Allomyrina dichotoma (Coleoptera: Scarabeidae) collected from two different localities in Henan Province, Central PR China. The four strains shared identical sequences in both of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer regions. Sequence analyses revealed that this novel species represents a member of the genus Metschnikowia . It differed from its closest known species Metschnikowia zobellii , Metschnikowiaaustralis and Metschnikowia bicuspidata , by 8.4-9.2 % sequence divergence (33-40 nt substitutions and 7-12 gaps over 509 bases) in the D1/D2 sequences. The formation of ascospores was not observed on various sporulation media. In contrast to M. zobellii , M. australis and M. bicuspidata , the novel yeast species was unable to assimilate succinate, ethanol, ethylamine, cadaverine and 10 % NaCl plus 5 % glucose, but was able to grow in vitamin-free medium. The name Metschnikowia baotianmanensis f.a., sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these strains, with NYNU 15613 as the holotype.

During studies on the yeast communities associated with rotting wood in the Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest in PR China, four novel yeast strains were found. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene and the ITS regions showed that these strains represented two novel species in the Candida albicans / Lodderomyces clade. The novel species, represented by strains NYNU 17948 and NYNU 17981, formed a clade with Candida maltosa and Candida baotianmanensis , with 1-1.8% sequence divergence in the D1/D2 domains and 8.9-10% sequence divergence in the ITS regions. The other novel species, represented by NYNU 17105 and NYNU 17763, is most closely related to Candida blackwelliae with 0.7 % sequence divergence in the D1/D2 domains and 6.9 % sequence divergence in the ITS regions. The two novel species could be distinguished from their closest described species in terms of physiological traits. The two novel species are described as Candida yunnanensis sp. nov. (holotype NYNU 17948) and Candida parablackwelliae sp. nov. (holotype NYNU 17763).

Three strains of a novel yeast species were isolated from rotting wood in the Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest, Yunnan Province, PR China. Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions showed that the novel species represents a member of the genus Saturnispora . It differed from its closest known species, Saturnispora sekii CBS 10931 T , by 1.3 % nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domains and by 2.2 % nucleotide substitutions in the ITS regions, respectively. In contrast to Saturnispora sekii , the novel yeast species was unable to assimilate glycerol, dl-lactate, succinate and citrate, and grow at 37 °C. The name Saturnispora galanensis sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these strains, with NYNU 1797 as the holotype.

Five strains, NUNU 16637, NYNU 16645, NYNU 1673, NYNU 1680 and NYNU 1689, of a novel ascomycetous yeast were isolated from the Xishuangbanna tropical rainforest, Yunnan Province, PR China. The five strains shared identical sequences in both of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Sequence analysis showed that they represent undescribed yeast species belonging to the genus Wickerhamomyces. They differed from their closest known species, Wickerhamomyces xylosivorus NBRC 111553 T , by 3.4 % sequence divergence (14 substitutions and six gaps out of 584 bp) in the D1/D2 domains and by 9.6 % sequence divergence (28 substitutions and 24 gaps over 543 bp) in the ITS regions, respectively. The five strains of novel species reproduced asexually; no sexual reproduction could be found. In contrast to W. xylosivorus, the novel yeast species were able to assimilate l-arabinose, inulin, soluble starch, d-mannitol and citrate, and unable to assimilate trehalose, raffinose, 5-keto-d-gluconate, d-gluconate, ethanol, ethylamine and cadaverine. Growth was observed at 35 °C. The name Wickerhamomyces menglaensis f.a., sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these strains, with NYNU 1673 as the holotype.

Three strains of a novel basidiomycetous yeast were isolated from the Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest, Yunnan Province, PR China. Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions indicated that the novel species represents a member of the genus Vanrija. It differed from the most closely related known species, Vanrija albida CBS 2839 T , by 1.5 % sequence divergence (seven substitutions and two gaps out of 597 bp) in the D1/D2 domains and by 7.4 % sequence divergence (17 substitutions and 20 gaps over 495 bp) in the ITS regions, respectively. The three strains of the novel species reproduced asexually, and no mating could be found. In contrast to V. albida, the novel yeast species was able to assimilate d-glucosamine, inulin, erythritol and galactitol and unable to assimilate raffinose. The name Vanrija jinghongensis sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these strains, with NYNU 17910 T (=CICC 33269=CBS 15229) as the type strain.

Three strains representing a novel yeast species, Sugiyamaella xiaguanensis f.a., sp. nov. (type strain NYNU 161041 T =CICC 33167 T =CBS 14696 T ), were isolated from rotting wood samples collected in Henan and Yunnan Provinces, PR China. The novel species is able to assimilate cellobiose, salicin and d-xylose, which was typical of the species of the genus Sugiyamaella. Analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer regions of these strains showed that this species was related to Sugiyamaella lignohabitans and Sugiyamaella marionensis, its closest relatives. Su. xiaguanensis sp. nov. differed by 1.4 % nucleotide substitutions from Su. lignohabitans, and by 1.9 % nucleotide substitutions from Su. marionensis in the D1/D2 sequences. The ITS sequences of Su. xiaguanensis sp. nov. displayed more than 6.5 % nucleotide substitutions from the latter two species, showing that it is a genetically separate species.

Four yeast strains were isolated from rotting wood samples collected in the Baotianman Nature Reserve in Henan Province, Central China. On the basis of sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer regions, they were suggested to be two novel species of the genus Pichia. Pichia nanzhaoensis sp. nov. produces one to four spherical ascospores per ascus, and is most closely related to Candida pseudolambica. Pichia paraexigua f.a., sp. nov. is a sister taxa to Pichia exigua, but the formation of ascospores was not observed on various sporulation media. P. nanzhaoensis sp. nov. can weakly assimilate inulin, whereas P. paraexigua sp. nov. can weakly assimilate d-glucosamine. The type strain of Pichia nanzhaoensis is NYNU 178136 T (=CICC 33279 T =CBS 15346 T ) and the type strain of Pichia paraexigua is NYNU 178135 T (=CICC 33278 T =CBS 15237 T ).

Two strains of a novel yeast species were isolated from traditional Chinese sauerkraut samples collected in Nanyang, Henan Province, central China. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions showed that these strains belong to the Yarrowia clade, with seven clones of uncultured Yarrowia as their closest phylogenetic neighbours. They differed from their closest known species, Yarrowia divulgata CBS 11013 T , by 3.2 % sequence divergence (14 substitutions and 2 gaps) in the D1/D2 domains and by 5.4 % sequence divergence (12 substitutions and 5 gaps) in the ITS regions. The two strains of novel species reproduced asexually, and no ascospores could be found. The name Yarrowia brassicae f.a., sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these strains, with NYNU 17218 T (=CICC 33263 T =CBS 15225 T ) as the type strain.

Three strains representing a novel species of yeast were isolated from samples of rotting wood collected from Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest in Yunnan Province, PR China. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene revealed that the novel species is a member of the genus Cyberlindnera, although the formation of ascospores was not observed. The novel species was related most closely to the type strain of the species Candida pattaniensis, but they had a 0.5 % sequence divergence (3 substitutions, 0 gap) in the D1/D2 domain and a 5.4 % sequence divergence (21 substitutions, 10 gaps) in the ITS region. The novel species could also be differentiated from the closely related species by some biochemical and physiological characteristics. The species name Cyberlindnera xishuangbannaensis f.a., sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these strains, with NYNU 16752 T (=CICC 33163 T =CBS 14692 T ) designated as the type strain. The MycoBank number is MB 822199.

Seven strains representing two novel yeast species were isolated from rotting wood in Henan and Yunnan Provinces, PR China. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene revealed that these two species are members of the genus Kodamaea, although the formation of ascospores was not observed. Kodamaea neixiangensis f.a., sp. nov. (type strain NYNU 167139T=CICC 33170T=CBS 14699T) formed a clade with Candida kaohsiungensis and Candida hsintzibuensis, from which it differed by 10-16 substitutions in the D1/D2 domain. The ITS sequences of K. neixiangensis sp. nov. differed by 27 substitutions from those of the type strain of C. kaohsiungensis. The most closely related species with a validly published name to Kodamaea jinghongensis f.a., sp. nov. (type strain NYNU 167162T=CICC 33171T=CBS 14700T) was Candida fukazawae, but this differed by 14 substitutions in the D1/D2 domain and by 15 substitutions in the ITS region.

Four yeast strains were isolated from rotting wood samples collected in the Baotianman Nature Reserve in Henan Province, central China. The sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer regions showed that these four strains represent two different undescribed yeast species belonging to the Ogataea clade. Ogataea neixiangensis sp. nov. produces two to four hat-shaped ascospores per ascus, and its closest relative among recognized species is Candida nitratophila. Ogataea paraovalis f.a., sp. nov. is closely related to Candida ovalis but the formation of ascospores was not observed on various sporulation media. The type strain of O. neixiangensis sp. nov. (MycoBank number MB 820697) is NYNU 16951T (=CICC 33166T=CBS 14695T), and the type strain of O. paraovalis f.a., sp. nov. (MycoBank number MB 820698) is NYNU 167106T (=CICC 33168T=CBS 14697T).

Three strains representing a novel yeast species were isolated from rotten wood samples collected in Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest in Yunnan Province, PR China. Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions indicated that the novel species represented a member of the genus Deakozyma. The novel species was related most closely to the type strain of Deakozyma indianensis but they differed by 5.8 % sequence divergence (20 substitutions and 5 gaps) in the D1/D2 domain and by 12.2 % sequence divergence (27 substitutions and 15 gaps) in the ITS region. Interestingly, the novel yeast species was able to ferment glucose and sucrose in Durham tubes, a clear difference from its closest relative D. indianensis, the type species of the genus Deakozyma. The species name of Deakozyma yunnanensis sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these strains, with NYNU 16742T (=CICC 33160T=CBS 14688T) designated the type strain. As the current description of the genus does not allow the inclusion of sugar fermenting species, the emendation of the diagnosis of the genus Deakozyma Kurtzman and Robnett is proposed.

Eleven yeast strains representing four novel species of the genus Starmerella were isolated from scarabs beetles collected in Nanyang, Henan Province, Central China. Phylogenetic analysis using combined sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions placed all the novel species in a clade distinct from the other known species in the clade representing the members of the genus Starmerella. These novel species differed from each other or their closest known species by more than 4.9 % nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domains and by more than 9.1 % nucleotide substitutions in the ITS regions. The four novel species can also be separated from their closest relatives in terms of physiological characteristics. No asci or signs of conjugation were found in the novel species on the most common sporulation media. The novel species are designated as Starmerella anomalae f.a., sp. nov. (type strain NYNU 157145T=CICC 33094T=CBS 14178T), Starmerella asiatica f.a., sp. nov. (type strain NYNU 15782T=CICC 33089T=CBS 14173T), Starmerella henanensis f.a., sp. nov. (type strain NYNU 15766T=CICC 33088T=CBS 14172T) and Starmerella scarabaei f.a., sp. nov. (type strain NYNU 15821T=CICC 33090T=CBS 14174T).

During a survey of yeasts associated with insects in Central China's natural ecosystems, 116 yeast strains were isolated from the gut of adult insects in two families and from one beetle larva. Among the yeasts isolated in this study, 102 strains were identified as 20 known species in the class Saccharomycetes. The remaining 14 strains were identified as representing five novel species in the Lodderomyces clade based on the combined sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, as well as other taxonomic characteristics. Lodderomyces beijingensis sp. nov. (type strain CBS 14171T=CICC 33087T=NYNU 15764T) formed a clade with Lodderomyces elongisporus and Candida oxycetoniae. The other four novel species, namely Candida margitis sp. nov. (type strain CBS 14175T=CICC 33091T=NYNU 15857T), Candida xiaguanensis sp. nov. (type strain CBS 13923T=CICC 33056T=NYNU 1488T), Candida parachauliodis sp. nov. (type strain CBS 13928T=CICC 33058T=NYNU 14959T) and Candida coleopterorum sp. nov. (type strain CBS 14180T=CICC 33084T=NYNU 1582T), showed close relationships to the species near Candida parapsilosis, Candida sakaeoensis, Candida chauliodes and Candida corydalis. Descriptions of these novel yeast species are provided as well as discussions of their ecology in relation to their insect hosts.