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Insight into the Skin Mycobiota of Myotis myotis: How Age, Sex, and Biometric Traits Correlate with Fungal Diversity

Summary

Researchers studied fungal colonies living on the skin of Greater mouse-eared bats in autumn, discovering 39 different fungal species. Wing membranes had more fungal diversity than tail membranes, with males carrying more fungi than females. Interestingly, older male bats accumulated more fungal species, while older female bats showed less fungal diversity. The study found no trace of the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, suggesting caves rather than bats may be the main source of this disease.

Background

The Greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) exhibits seasonal movements between summer roosts and winter hibernation sites, influencing microbial diversity and pathogen exposure. While previous research has focused on hibernation periods, the skin mycobiota of this species in autumn remains largely unexplored. Understanding fungal-bat interactions is crucial for disease surveillance and conservation strategies.

Objective

This study examined fungal diversity on the wing and tail membranes of M. myotis in autumn, focusing on how age, sex, forearm length, and body weight correlate with fungal colonization patterns. The research aimed to identify novel associations between biometric traits and fungal communities while investigating the absence of Pseudogymnoascus destructans in this population.

Results

A total of 39 fungal species were identified, with higher diversity on wing membranes (particularly ventral sides). Most isolates were psychrotolerant or mesophilic, with highest species richness at 24°C (35 species). Males harbored more fungal species than females (35 vs 24 species). Apiospora arundinis was the most frequently isolated species. Age positively correlated with fungal diversity in males but negatively in females, while body weight negatively affected diversity only in females.

Conclusion

This study provides the first detailed comparison of fungal species on bat wings versus tail membranes in autumn, revealing specialized ecological niches. Males were better fungal reservoirs than females. The absence of Pseudogymnoascus destructans suggests caves rather than bats serve as primary reservoirs. These findings establish a baseline for understanding fungal-bat interactions with implications for disease surveillance and bat conservation.
  • Published in:Animals (Basel),
  • Study Type:Observational Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41153947, DOI: 10.3390/ani15203020
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