Mycobiota of anthropogenic and natural underground objects

Diversity of spider families parasitized by fungal pathogens: a global review

“…2A–E) indicates that they were all attacked by a group of related fungal pathogens. This is confirmed by the observation that fungi from only one family (i.e., Cordycipitaceae) were isolated from dead subterranean pholcids (see Cokendolpher 1993; Keller 2007; Eiseman et al 2010; Martynenko et al 2012; Jent 2013; Humber et al 2014; Kathie T. Hodge, pers. comm.)…”

“…Once the spores adhere to a spider’s cuticle, they germinate, and germ tubes penetrate the exoskeleton, intruding into the spider’s body cavity (Kuephadungphan et al 2022). The fungus can make use of openings or weak spots in the exoskeleton (i.e., mouth, anus, booklung stigma, genital opening, intersegmental membranes at the leg joints, or directly through the thin abdominal cuticle) as entry points for the infection (see Yoder 2009; Martynenko et al 2012; Kuephadungphan et al 2022). In medium-to larger-sized araneomorphs, the abdomen appears to be the body part most vulnerable during the premature stages of a fungal infection (Figs.…”

“…Fungus-infected pholcids (Figs. 2A–E) are very common in subterranean spaces such as basements, caves and tunnels in Europe and North America (Martynenko et al 2012; Kathie T. Hodge, pers. comm.…”

“…Statistically, the percentage of fungus-infected pholcids in North America does not significantly differ from that in Europe (30% vs. 36%; Chi-square test, χ 2 = 0.917, df = 1, P > 0.05). The reported infected pholcids have a subterranean life style, inhabiting caves, tunnels, and basements in buildings (Eiseman et al 2010; Martynenko et al 2012; Humber et al 2014). Such subterranean spaces maintain a microclimate characterized by high relative humidity (98–100% RH) and moderate temperatures which are optimal for fungal growth (see Yoder 2009; Martynenko et al 2012).…”

“…2A–E). Mycosed pholcids are conspicuous by white, fluffy spheres surrounding the spider body and each of the leg joints (Eiseman et al 2010; Martynenko et al 2012). The resemblance in appearance of the mycosed pholcids (Fig.…”