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

By

Pacheco Fonseca, Régia
Paula, Caio Cesar
Bichuette, Maria Elina.
Chagas Júnior, Amazonas, 1972-

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2019

Original Publication

Subterranean Biology

Volume

32

Pages

61--67

Subjects

Brazil , capilliconidia , Cave habitat , Chilopoda , fungus-host relationship

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.32.38310

 

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.