Entomophthora

Entomophthora is a genus of fungi in the family Entomophthoraceae, order Entomophthorales. In modern taxonomy they are placed in the phylum Entomophthoromycota (historically they were classified within Zygomycota). Members are obligate entomopathogens, meaning they rely on insect hosts to complete their life cycles. They infect a range of arthropods, most commonly insects such as flies and aphids, and often show high host specificity.

Infection typically begins when the fungus produces infectious spores on structures that arise from infected hosts or from resting spores in the environment. Spores attach to the cuticle of a susceptible host and penetrate, proliferating within the body. The parasite ultimately kills the host; in many species, infected individuals exhibit altered behaviors before death, such as climbing to exposed vegetation to position spore masses for dispersal, a phenomenon known as summit disease. After host death, the fungus sporulates on the cadaver, releasing conidia or other propagules to infect new hosts.

Entomophthora is one of several genera in Entomophthorales that infect arthropods, with Entomophthora muscae being among the best known species. E. muscae infects the common housefly and is notable for inducing behavioral changes in its host that facilitate transmission.

Ecologically, Entomophthora species can contribute to regulating insect populations and influence ecological interactions within communities. They have attracted interest as potential biological control agents, but practical use is limited by strict host specificity, environmental sensitivity, and challenges in large‑scale production.