The first Laboulbeniales (Ascomycota, Laboulbeniomycetes) from an American millipede, discovered through social media

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Entomology
• Arthropod-associated fungi

Background:

• Laboulbeniales are a diverse group of highly specialized fungi that associate with arthropods.
• While most species are found on insects, an increasing number are being discovered on millipedes.
• This highlights the need for further exploration of fungal diversity in less-studied arthropod groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel species of Laboulbeniales fungus found on an American millipede.
• To document the first discovery of this fungal group on the millipede genus Cambala.
• To introduce Troglomyces twitteri sp. nov. to the scientific community.

Main Methods:

• Initial discovery through photographic evidence shared on social media (Twitter).
• Microscopic examination of millipede specimens from museum collections.
• Morphological analysis to identify and classify the new fungal species.

Main Results:

• Description of Troglomyces twitteri sp. nov., a new species of Laboulbeniales.
• Confirmation of the fungus's association with the American millipede Cambala annulata.
• Specimens were examined from museum collections in Denmark and France.

Conclusions:

• The discovery of Troglomyces twitteri expands the known host range and geographic distribution of Laboulbeniales.
• This finding underscores the value of citizen science and social media in biological discoveries.
• Further research into millipede-associated fungi is warranted to uncover more hidden biodiversity.