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Isolation of diverse viable fungi from the larvae of the introduced chironomid Eretmoptera murphyi on Signy Island

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Abstract

The chironimid midge Eretmoptera murphyi has been introduced to Signy Island and has since become established at a single site. Viable propagules of a diverse range of micro-fungi were recovered from the normal intestinal tract of larvae of E. murphyi, indicating the potential for the larvae to act as vectors for fungal introductions. The fungi present in the intestines of the larvae included ascomycetes, zygomycetes and an oomycete, and this diversity highlights the potential for multiple microbial introductions from a single invertebrate introduction.

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Acknowledgment

This work was undertaken as part of the British Antarctic Survey Long Term Monitoring Programme.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Rd, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK

    P. D. Bridge

  2. Plant Pathology, RHS Garden, Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB, UK

    G. J. Denton

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  1. P. D. Bridge
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  2. G. J. Denton
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Correspondence to P. D. Bridge.

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Bridge, P.D., Denton, G.J. Isolation of diverse viable fungi from the larvae of the introduced chironomid Eretmoptera murphyi on Signy Island. Polar Biol 30, 935–937 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-007-0268-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-007-0268-0

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