Royal Society Open Science · 7 authors, 6 centres
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This study investigates the symbiosis between fungus-growing termites and their fungal cultivar, finding that larger termite genera cultivate larger but fewer fungal nodules, indicating a size-specific relationship and a trade-off between size and density.
The study examines the mutualistic symbiosis between fungus-growing termites (Termitidae: Macrotermitinae) and their fungal cultivar *Termitomyces*. By analyzing morphological measurements from termites and their fungal nodules, the researchers demonstrate a size-specific relationship. They found that larger termite genera cultivate *Termitomyces* with larger nodules but in lower density, suggesting a trade-off where spore production is dependent on the fungus garden's extent. The authors propose this specificity is maintained because termites cannot establish colonies with mismatched *Termitomyces* sizes and established fungal strains dominate, preventing newcomers. The study is limited by its observational nature and suggests artificial inoculation experiments are needed to test the proposed mechanisms. The findings contribute to understanding partner choice and niche partitioning in insect-fungus symbioses.
