First record of Amphoromorpha/ Basidiobolus fungus on centipedes (Geophilomorpha, Geophilidae) from Brazilian caves

There is no author summary for this article yet. Authors can add summaries to their articles on ScienceOpen to make them more accessible to a non-specialist audience.

Abstract

We identified Basidiobolus fungi on geophilomorphan centipedes (Chilopoda) from caves of Southeast Brazil. Twelve specimens of centipedes of the family Geophilidae were examined, and two of them carried the secondary capilliconidia of Basidiobolus on their exoskeleton. The fungus uses the surface of the exoskeleton as a support for the asexual reproductive structure. In this manner, the host is used for the purpose of dispersing its spores. This study expands current knowledge of the diversity of arthropods used as host for the fungus, and in particular for Basidiobolus, living in cave habitats.

Related collections

Most cited references 11

Record: found
Abstract: found
Article: not found

Evolution of 'pollinator'- attracting signals in fungi

C. Weymuth, A Leuchtmann, W FRANCKE … (2006)

Fungi produce a plethora of secondary metabolites yet their biological significance is often little understood. Some compounds show well-known antibiotic properties, others may serve as volatile signals for the attraction of insects that act as vectors of spores or gametes. Our investigations in an outcrossing, self-incompatible fungus show that a fungus-produced volatile compound with fungitoxic activities is also responsible for the attraction of specific insects that transfer gametes. We argue that insect attraction using this compound is likely to have evolved from its primary function of defence--as has been suggested for floral scent in the angiosperms. We, thus, propose that similar yet convergent evolutionary pathways have lead to interspecific communication signals in both fungi and plants.