Insect-fungi Interactions

Question 1

Fungi consuming organism

Answer 1

Fungivore or mycophage

Question 2

Fungivory benefits

Answer 2

Increase digestive capacity (fungal enzymes)

- contribute to cellulose digestion (driving force behind symbiotic relationship)

Question 3

Fungi cultivating taxa

Answer 3

Termites (Isoptera: termitidae)
Ants (Hymenoptera: formicidae)
Ambrosia beetle (Coleoptera: curculionidae: scolytinae)

Question 4

Fungus gardening termites and ants

Answer 4

Obligatory mutualism

Question 5

Ambrosia beetle

Answer 5

Coleoptera: curculionidae: scolytinae
Adults and larvae bore into twigs, branches or trunks of host plants
They then excavate a system of tunnels and introduce a symbiotic ambrosial fungus
Fungus provides food for beetle

Question 6

Fugivorous types

Answer 6

Microphages: spores, hyphal fragments, liquid media
Macrophages: fungal material of fruiting bodies (requires strong mandibles)