[2] For example, several recent papers, such as Kouvelis et al. who carried out mitochondrial DNA studies,[3] refer to the name L. muscarium.

The Index Fungorum, referring to L. lecanii, lists the following synonyms: This fungus was first described in 1861 and has a worldwide distribution.

Insects are infected when they come into contact with the sticky fungal spores which then grow and invade the body, thus the internal organs are consumed, leading to their death.

In horticulture and agriculture, "V. lecanii" isolates were developed for controlling insect pests such as whitefly, thrips and aphids, by RA Hall and HD Burges (scientists at the Glasshouse Crops Research Institute, now Warwick HRI: formerly part of Horticulture Research International).

Other products based on these fungi have been developed elsewhere for use in cash crops, oil seeds, soybeans, ornamentals and vegetables.