New data on the geographical distribution and host utilization of the entomopathogenic fungus Myrmicinosporidium durum.

ABSTRACT

Entomopathogenic Myrmicinosporidium durum Hölldobler, 1933, a fungus known to exploit several ant species, is reported for the first time in five countries Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, and Turkey. The discovery of the fungus in Anatolia significantly widens its known distribution. In addition, this fungal parasite was found to utilize two hitherto unknown host species Tetramorium sp. D (sensu Schlick-Steiner et al. 2006 ) and Tetramorium sp. E (sensu Schlick- Steiner et al. 2006 ). According to the new data, M. durum seems to be more common in Europe than previously thought, while its host range is considerably larger. In the present paper, data on its currently known distribution and host preference are discussed.