A Developmental Study of the Termite-Associated Fungus Coreomycetopsis Oedipus

SUMMARY

Coreomycetopsis oedipus develops from a nonseptate, colorless, elliptical spore which becomes attached to termite cuticle. No penetration of the termite was found. After development of a thallus of six to fifteen cells, a spore cavity is formed by the internal breakdown of several apical cells, the septa being obliterated by growth of nonseptate filaments and phialospores. Position of thalli on the termite is influenced by the protection afforded by insect surface structures. Coreomycetopsis oedipus was very common in one termite colony although it had not been found there several months earlier.