A novel species, Metschnikowia orientalis sp. nov., is described for haploid, heterothallic yeasts isolated from nitidulid beetles sampled in flowers in Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, and the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia. As evidenced by analysis of D1/D2 large subunit rDNA sequences, the species is related to Candida hawaiiana, to which it is similar in growth responses. Cylindrical, conjugated asci and acicular ascospores of moderate size are formed. Rudimentary mating reactions were observed with Metschnikowia aberdeeniae and Metschnikowia continentalis, but not with C. hawaiiana. The type strain of M. orientalis is UWOPS 99-745.6(T) (h(+)) (=CBS 10331(T)=NRRL Y-27991(T)) and the designated allotype is UWOPS 05-269.1 (h(-)) (=CBS 10330=NRRL Y-27992).