New species discovered in Zhoushan

A large fungus found in Putuo district, Zhoushan, Zhejiang province was recently published in the international academic journal Forests.

This fungus belongs to the family Clavicipitaceae in the order Hypocreales and is named "Putuo Green Cordyceps."

The publication of this fungus means that the number of new global species discovered in the district has increased to two, representing the latest achievement in biodiversity investigation in Putuo.

Putuo launched a comprehensive terrestrial biodiversity investigation in March 2021. In June of the year, a fungus resembling Cordyceps was discovered. After scientific studies, it was identified as a new species belonging to the family Clavicipitaceae in the order Hypocreales.

Putuo Green Cordyceps is a solitary or clustered fungus, unbranched or dichotomously branched, measuring 25 to 60 millimeters in length and two to four millimeters in width. It is pale yellow to light brown and usually cylindrical.

The rhizomorph is curved and is found attached to the heads or abdomens of larvae of beetles buried 20 to 40 millimeters deep in the ground, commonly seen on roadside slopes in broad-leaved forests.

Putuo is Zhoushan's only district to be included on the list of 29 key areas for biodiversity investigation and assessment in the province. In 2020, historical data on biodiversity was collected and collated. From March 2021 to August 2022, field investigations on biodiversity were conducted. In September 2022, investigation and assessment results were reviewed by experts.

Subsequently, the district improved relevant reports, charts, and database information, and submitted the investigation and assessment results in February this year.

Putuo will further explore the strengthening of biodiversity conservation and scientific development and the utilization of biological resources. It will continue to conduct biodiversity investigations and continuous investigations and observations on key species in key areas and explore the creation of a characteristic biodiversity experience site on the island.

In addition, the district will carry out multi-party cooperation, explore effective ways to develop and utilize biological resources, build a popular science education platform, and carry out in-depth and extensive biodiversity conservation promotion activities in conjunction with important events such as International Day for Biological Diversity, Environment Day, and National Ecological Day, creating an atmosphere of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature for all.