Fungi Associated with the Subterranean Termite Reticulitermes flavipes in Ontario

Abstract

In a survey of the mycoflora associated with Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) subterranean termite populations in Ontario, Canada, forty species of fungi were isolated. These included both cellulolytic fungi and potential pathogens. Twenty-one fungal species were cultured from living termites. Observations of isolates from field collections, and the low diversity of fungi in declining laboratory termite colonies, suggest that interactions among fungi may suppress pathogenic effects and promote termite survival.