Erynia is a genus of fungi within the family of Entomophthoraceae and order Entomophthorales of the Zygomycota.[1] This has been supported by molecular phylogenetic analysis (Gryganskyi et al. 2012).[2]
The genus name of Erynia was originally named by the Polish scientist Leon Nowakowski in 1881. It was named after the Greek mythological creatures known as the Erinyes or as the Romans called them, the Furies, who were described as spirits that claimed vengeance against a crime. It could be classed as an insect pest feeding on a plant, being a specific crime for which the fungus would kill the insect, thus exacting vengeance.[3]
It has a cosmopolitan distribution (scattered worldwide).[4] Including Switzerland.[5]
Species Erynia conica infects two types of mosquitos; Aedes aegypti and Culex restuans.[6]
As accepted by Species Fungorum;[7]
Former species; (all family Entomophthoraceae)[7]
Erynia is a genus of fungi within the family of Entomophthoraceae and order Entomophthorales of the Zygomycota. This has been supported by molecular phylogenetic analysis (Gryganskyi et al. 2012).
The genus name of Erynia was originally named by the Polish scientist Leon Nowakowski in 1881. It was named after the Greek mythological creatures known as the Erinyes or as the Romans called them, the Furies, who were described as spirits that claimed vengeance against a crime. It could be classed as an insect pest feeding on a plant, being a specific crime for which the fungus would kill the insect, thus exacting vengeance.
