Distribution of Termitomyces heim and other fungi in the nests and major workers of Macrotermes bellicosus (Smeathman) in Nigeria

Abstract

The distribution of the symbiotic fungus Termitomyces Heim and other fungi in the colonies of the termite Macrotermes bellicosus (Smeathman) was investigated. Nest structure, foodstore and fungus comb were investigated by direct isolation and dilution plate methods. The digestive tract of worker termites was dissected and plated out. Termitomyces was only found in the fungus comb and digestive tract of the termites. Other fungi found were mostly common soil fungi which showed a progressive reduction in species number from foodstore through the aging comb. There was also a decrease in fungal abundance from foodstore to comb. These fungi are probably brought into the foodstore by the termites as spores and have no active growth or reproductive phase within a viable nest system. The low percentage isolation of Termitomyces foragers (3%) compared to nurse workers (23%) and young major workers (67%) indicates Termitomyces is not mixed with the food when it goes into the foodstore, and probably reflects dietary differences between the termites.