Hesperomyces harmoniae on Harmonia axyridis

This ladybug has a parasitic fungus, Hesperomyces harmoniae, growing on its elytra. The fungus spreads during mating and through encounters with infected ladybugs; it can easily spread among ladybugs overwintering in groups. Despite the probable discomfort and sometimes impairments to movement, most infected ladybugs lead full and happy lives.

Habitat: Attracted to a light at night in a rural area.

comments (6)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Entirely new class of fungi introduced, with some fascinating biology:
"The Laboulbeniomycetes are a unique group of fungi that are apparent external parasites of insects and other arthropods, both terrestrial and aquatic. These fungi are minute; their fruiting bodies commonly measure less than one millimeter." Posted 7 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Cool!
  
  The fungus penetrates the insect’s exoskeleton and gets nutrients from the hemolymph. It’s an obligate ectoparasite, so it doesn’t kill the host, as it needs it alive. Judging from the location of the fungus on this beetle, I would guess that it was transmitted during mating, and therefore is basically an insect STD. Posted 7 years ago
2. 1. Pudding4brains
    
    Lion
    
    Yes, those Laboulbs are situated at the hind quarters in a vast percentage of the cases :o) Posted 7 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      Lol ;P Posted 7 years ago