Laboulbeniomycetes 4247431 202170752 2008-03-30T23:30:28Z Eubot 231599 Removed taxobox colour. See [[User:Eubot/Removing colours from taxoboxen]]. {{Taxobox | name = Laboulbeniomycetes | regnum = [[Fungi]] | divisio = [[Ascomycota]] | subdivisio = [[Pezizomycotina]] | classis = '''Laboulbeniomycetes''' | subdivision_ranks = Orders | subdivision = [[Laboulbeniales]] }} The '''Laboulbeniomycetes''' are a unique group of [[fungus|fungi]] that are apparent external parasites of [[insect]]s and other [[arthropod]]s, both terrestrial and aquatic. These fungi are minute; their fruiting bodies commonly measure less than one millimeter. They live on the antennae, the mouthparts or other body regions of their arthropod hosts. Although several species of Laboulbeniomycetes have more or less extensive, root-like hyphal systems ([[haustorium|haustoria]]) inside their hosts, as a group these fungi are apparently harmless to the animals they live on. These fungi are usually apparent only on adult hosts; apparently immature arthropods eliminate them during [[ecdysis]] (adult arthropods no longer molt). Some fungi in the Laboulbeniomycetes have separate female and male individuals, like ''Herpomyces''. [[Image:Herpomyces.jpg|thumb]] In the micrograph to the right, two flask-shaped, about 0.3 mm long female fruting bodies of ''Herpomyces periplanetae'' can be seen. They are full of [[ascospore]]s. Between them, there are two short, finger-like male individuals. Below, a part of a striated foot cell is visible. In nature, the fruiting bodies sit on the foot cell, which lays on the insect's antennae. ''Herpomyces periplanetae'' is a very widespread parasite on the antennae of adult [[cockroach]]es in the genus ''Periplaneta'', like the common [[American cockroach]], ''Periplaneta americana''. [[Category:Ascomycota]] [[de:Laboulbeniomycetes]] [[es:Laboulbeniomycetes]]