Systematic analyses with genomic and metabolomic insights reveal a new species, sp. nov. from treeline area of Indian Western Himalayan region.

is a species-rich genus in the order () depicting a fascinating relationship between microbes and insects. In the present study, a new species, sp. nov., is discovered infecting lepidopteran larvae from tree line locations (2,202-2,653 m AMSL) of the Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh, Indian Western Himalayan region, using combinations of morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. A phylogeny for based on a combined multigene (nr, nrα, and ) dataset is provided, and its taxonomic status within is briefly discussed. Its genome size (~59 Mb) revealed 94% genetic similarity with ; however, it differs from other extant species based on morphological characteristics, molecular phylogenetic relationships, and genetic distance. is identified as the second homothallic species in the family , after . The presence of targeted marker components, . nucleosides (2,303.25 μg/g), amino acids (6.15%), mannitol (10.13%), and biological activity data, suggests it to be a new potential source of nutraceutical importance. Data generated around this economically important species will expand our understanding regarding the diversity of -like taxa from new locations, thus providing new research avenues.