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Digging into the evolutionary history of the fungus-growing-ant symbiont, Escovopsis (Hypocreaceae)

Summary

Researchers studied fungi called Escovopsis that live in ant colonies and interact with the fungi that ants farm for food. By examining 309 fungal samples from across Central and South America, they discovered that these fungi originated 57 million years ago but only started living with the ants about 38 million years ago. Over time, Escovopsis evolved to grow faster and reproduce more efficiently, likely helping it survive in the ant colony environment.

Background

Escovopsis fungi are symbionts of fungus-growing ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae and have been associated with this system for millions of years. While these fungi are integral to ant colonies, their evolutionary origins and patterns of association with different ant species remain poorly understood. This study examines the largest collection of Escovopsis strains to date across the Americas.

Objective

To investigate the evolutionary history of Escovopsis fungi, including their origin, timing of association with different attine ant species, phylogeographic distribution, and morphological and physiological adaptations. The study aims to understand how Escovopsis has evolved within the complex tripartite symbiosis involving ants, cultivated fungi, and other microbes.

Results

Escovopsis originated approximately 56.9 million years ago but only became associated with higher attine ants within the last 38 million years. The genus shows phylogeographic distribution across Central and South America with four major clades associated with different ant genera. Morphological and physiological traits evolved progressively, including changes in vesicle shape and increased reproductive efficiency.

Conclusion

Escovopsis underwent significant morphological and physiological adaptations after associating with fungus-growing ant colonies, likely to overcome host defenses and compete in fungal gardens. The evolutionary history indicates complex co-diversification patterns with attine ants rather than strict co-cladogenesis, providing new insights into the fungus-growing ant symbiotic system’s evolution.
  • Published in:Communications Biology,
  • Study Type:Comparative Evolutionary Analysis,
  • Source: 10.1038/s42003-025-08654-z
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