Research Topic: entomology

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

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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.

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Phylogenetic and Morphological Analysis of a Novel Allocucurbitaria Species Isolated from Lelia decempunctata in South Korea

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Scientists in South Korea discovered a new fungal species living on a stink bug. By analyzing its genetic material and physical characteristics, they confirmed it was a previously unknown species and named it Allocucurbitaria koreanum. This is the first time this type of fungus has been found associated with insects, suggesting these fungi may have interesting relationships with insects that researchers need to study further.

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