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Metabarcoding reveals a hidden endophytic stage of the 'zombie-ant' fungus in Amazonian mosses
Tales Alves-Júnior1, João Paulo Machado de Araújo1,2, Aristóteles Góes-Neto3
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Botânica, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, Brazil Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte Brazil https://ror.org/0176yjw32.
Abstract:
Hypocrealean fungi include numerous entomopathogens, notably the hyperdiverse genus Ophiocordyceps, in which lineages manipulate insect hosts to die in specific microhabitats, such as mosses, which may facilitate spore dispersal. A dual endophyte-entomopathogen lifestyle has been proposed for Ophiocordyceps from temperate and subtropical systems; however, megadiverse tropical ecosystems remain poorly explored. Our study aims to characterize fungal communities in central Amazonian bryophytes from the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve in order to investigate the alleged dual lifestyle within a hyperdiverse tropical environment. Four sample types were analyzed: 1) Ophiocordyceps from the host insect; 2) bryophyte leaves at the host insect biting site; 3) bryophyte leaves adjacent to (≥ 5 cm) the biting site; 4) and bryophyte leaves (≥ 10 m) from the same locality within the study site. Total genomic DNA was extracted, the TEF1-α region was amplified, and amplicons were sequenced using Oxford Nanopore technology. Metabarcoding of 45 libraries revealed structured fungal communities within Amazonian bryophytes, resulting in the identification of 2,277 fungal taxa. Across all bryophyte samples, we report a significant detection of entomopathogenic fungi, mostly comprising ant-specific Ophiocordyceps (e.g., O. camponoti-nidulantis and O. kniphofioides). Together, these results support the hypothesis of a ubiquitous endophytic stage of myrmecophilous Ophiocordyceps among Amazonian bryophytes, indicating a closer link between host manipulation and plant association than previously recognized.
Insights
Entomopathogenic fungi, particularly Ophiocordyceps, were found living within Amazonian bryophytes. This supports a dual lifestyle where these fungi associate with plants, not just insects.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Fungal Ecology
- Tropical Biology
Background:
- Hypocrealean fungi, including Ophiocordyceps, are known insect pathogens.
- A dual lifestyle (endophyte-entomopathogen) is proposed but poorly studied in tropical ecosystems.
- Amazonian bryophytes are a potential habitat for exploring this dual lifestyle.
Purpose of the Study:
- Characterize fungal communities in central Amazonian bryophytes.
- Investigate the proposed dual lifestyle of Ophiocordyceps in a hyperdiverse tropical environment.
- Determine the association of Ophiocordyceps with bryophytes.
Main Methods:
- Collected four sample types: Ophiocordyceps from host insects, and bryophyte leaves from different proximity to insect biting sites.
- Extracted total genomic DNA and amplified the TEF1-α region.
- Sequenced amplicons using Oxford Nanopore technology for metabarcoding.
Main Results:
- Identified 2,277 fungal taxa, revealing structured fungal communities in Amazonian bryophytes.
- Significantly detected entomopathogenic fungi, predominantly ant-specific Ophiocordyceps species.
- Confirmed the presence of Ophiocordyceps in bryophyte samples distant from host insects.
Conclusions:
- Results support a ubiquitous endophytic stage of myrmecophilous Ophiocordyceps in Amazonian bryophytes.
- Suggests a closer link between insect host manipulation and plant association than previously understood.
- Highlights the importance of exploring megadiverse tropical ecosystems for fungal diversity and lifestyles.
