First Experimental Evidence for Zoophagy in the Hepatic Colura

Abstract

Some hepatics, especially epiphytic species, possess lobules or water sacs on their leaves that appear to function as stores. In Pleurozia and Colura, these water sacs have very complex openings that can be closed by a movable lid, which prompted the hypothesis that these water sacs could function as a trap‐like mechanism for small animals, which are occasionally found in these organs. Experiments revealed that protozoa (ciliata), which feed on bacteria on the surface of the plants, are trapped in the water sacs. We propose that these trap mechanisms function for zoophagy, but there is no clear evidence that the protozoa are specifically attracted to the hepatic.

A novel association between oribatid mites and leafy liverworts (Marchantiophyta: Jungermanniidae), with a description of a new species of Birobates Balogh, 1970 (Acari: Oribatida: Oripodidae)

“…The tunnels so formed by the overlapping leaves provide protected and, presumably humid, microhabitats for the mites. Lobules of Frullania and other leafy liverworts house a variety of microfauna, including protists, rotifers, tardigrades, crustaceans and nematodes (Barthlott et al 2000;Puterbaugh et al 2004). Rotifers and nematodes were recorded from Lejeuneaceae lobules after they had passed through the guts of flying foxes (Parsons et al 2007).…”

Cyanobacteria in Terrestrial Symbiotic Systems

“…Since Rhizonema has not been found "free-living," the availability and distribution of cyanobionts likely represent a critical limit to the establishment and recruitment of ascospore-dispersed cyanolichen species (Cornejo and Scheidegger 2016). The watersacs on some liverworts are also involved in other ecological interactions, including zoophagy of protozoa (Barthlott et al 2000). The basidiomycete Blasiphalia pseudogrisella (Hymenochaetales) forms appressoria on the rhizoids of Blasia (Fig.…”

Types, evolution and significance of plant – animal interactions

“…These plants do not have defences against other types of predators such as molluscs. Barthlott et al (2000) provide experimental evidence of zoophagy by the liver wort Colura (Bryophyta), though carnivory is principally known and studied in angiosperms.…”