Climatic effects on the distribution of ant- and bat fly-associated fungal ectoparasites (Ascomycota, Laboulbeniales). (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Szentiványi, Tamara; Haelewaters, Danny; Rádai, Zoltán; Mizsei, Edvárd; Pfliegler, Walter P.; Báthori, Ferenc; Tartally, András; Christe, Philippe; Glaizot, Olivier
• Is Part Of: Fungal ecology. Volume 39(2019)
• Page Start: 371
• Page End: 379
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: Ants -- Bat flies -- Climatic variables -- Distribution patterns -- Hyperparasite -- Myrmica -- Nycteribiidae -- Prevalence; Fungi -- Ecology -- Periodicals; Mycology -- Periodicals; 579.517
• DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2019.03.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1754-5048

Abstract

Abstract: Laboulbeniales (Ascomycota: Laboulbeniomycetes) are obligate ectoparasitic fungi of arthropods with a worldwide distribution. Their effects on host physiology and behaviour as well as their ecology have recently gained wider attention. One aspect that is virtually unknown regarding Laboulbeniales and arthropod-associated fungi in general, is how abiotic factors shape the distribution of these parasites. We used ant- and bat fly-associated Laboulbeniales to study whether climatic elements play a role in the distribution of fungal species. We collected uninfected and Laboulbeniales-infected insects belonging to three species: bat flies Nycteribia schmidlii and Penicillidia conspicua (Diptera: Nycteribiidae) and the ant Myrmica scabrinodis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). We used climatic variables and performed statistical analyses to explain the distribution of Laboulbeniales infection. Our results show a higher likelihood of Laboulbeniales presence in habitats with low annual mean temperature and humidity, suggesting that climatic elements can considerably shape the distribution of Laboulbeniales species. Highlights: Laboulbeniales distribution is determined by climatic factors. Higher chance of fungi presence at sites of low annual mean temperature and humidity. Fungi prevalence is negatively affected by annual mean temperature and humidity.