Beetles and Their Yeast Endosymbionts From Basidiocarp Habitats

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge LA

Investigators

Abstract

This study will provide baseline knowledge on newly discovered endosymbiotic associations between saccharomycetalean yeasts and basidiocarp-dwelling beetles. Preliminary data suggests that these beetles use fungus to eat fungi. Basidiocarps to be examined are the spore-containing structures of agarics and polypores. The project will focus on collecting and characterizing species of yeasts and associated fungus-feeding beetles from along an east-west transect along the gulf coastal plain of the US, Pacific coastal regions of Mexico, and Barro Colorado, Panama. Yeasts will be cultured and DNA extracted for identification. Beetles will be examined for the site of endosymbiont localization and identified. Basidocarp specimens will serve as vouchers for the insect collections and yeast isolations.