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<p>Parasite infections beyond the traditionally reported host range may point to previously unrecognized host–parasite dynamics. In this study, we investigated the host range of the ectoparasitic fungus <i>Rickia wasmannii</i> (Ascomycota, Laboulbeniales), which has to date been documented mainly on the cuticle of <i>Myrmica</i> ant workers. We first assessed the prevalence of infections in workers and then screened for infections in wingless and winged sexuals, larvae, and arthropod associates from 41 nests across four <i>Myrmica</i> species. Seven colonies were infected, with all workers carrying thalli. Wingless (reproductive) queens, winged (virgin) queens, and males were detected in three of these colonies and were all infected (5, 40, and 55 individuals, respectively), representing the first records of <i>R. wasmannii</i> on winged sexuals. A small proportion of larvae (18 out of 340 specimens) and mites (24 out of 1951 individuals) in the infected colonies carried thalli, as well as one individual of the specialized myrmecophilous beetle <i>Lomechusa emarginata</i> (Staphylinidae). We observed a single mature <i>R. wasmannii</i> thallus on a larva, while all thalli on arthropod associates were immature. Overall, our findings indicate that <i>R. wasmannii</i> can infect multiple <i>Myrmica</i> castes within the shared nest microhabitat. Infections on larvae and arthropod associates also occurred occasionally, but were characterized by low thallus densities and/or the absence of mature thalli.</p>

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Multiple fungal hosts in an ant microcosm: Rickia wasmannii infecting larvae, winged sexuals, and arthropod associates of Myrmica ants

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月18日

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  • T. Parmentier,
  • J. Bekaert,
  • L. Westerlinck,
  • K. Martens,
  • J. Kontschán,
  • A. De Kesel,
  • D. Haelewaters

摘要

Parasite infections beyond the traditionally reported host range may point to previously unrecognized host–parasite dynamics. In this study, we investigated the host range of the ectoparasitic fungus Rickia wasmannii (Ascomycota, Laboulbeniales), which has to date been documented mainly on the cuticle of Myrmica ant workers. We first assessed the prevalence of infections in workers and then screened for infections in wingless and winged sexuals, larvae, and arthropod associates from 41 nests across four Myrmica species. Seven colonies were infected, with all workers carrying thalli. Wingless (reproductive) queens, winged (virgin) queens, and males were detected in three of these colonies and were all infected (5, 40, and 55 individuals, respectively), representing the first records of R. wasmannii on winged sexuals. A small proportion of larvae (18 out of 340 specimens) and mites (24 out of 1951 individuals) in the infected colonies carried thalli, as well as one individual of the specialized myrmecophilous beetle Lomechusa emarginata (Staphylinidae). We observed a single mature R. wasmannii thallus on a larva, while all thalli on arthropod associates were immature. Overall, our findings indicate that R. wasmannii can infect multiple Myrmica castes within the shared nest microhabitat. Infections on larvae and arthropod associates also occurred occasionally, but were characterized by low thallus densities and/or the absence of mature thalli.