Relative frequency and virulence of the entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria and Metarhizium (Ascomycota: Hypocreales), from forested and urban soils in Missouri

Beauveria and Metarhizium are two common entomopathogenic fungi found in soils worldwide. While it is known that these fungi act as endophytes and insect parasites, we are still learning the fundamental aspects of their ecology. Using Galleria mellonella larvae as bait, Metarhizium and Beauveria were isolated from forested and previously forested urban soils of different ages in Missouri. The number of G. mellonella cadavers killed by each fungus from each habitat type at two incubation temperatures was compared to determine the relative frequency and virulence of these fungi in each habitat. Metarhizium was found frequently in both forest and urban habitats. Beauveria was found most frequently in forested habitats, and more often in the older urban habitats than the younger urban habitats. While incubation temperature affected infection rates of G. mellonella in Beauveria, incubation temperature was not significant for Metarhizium.