Termitomyces

Termitomyces
Termitomyces reticulatus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Agaricales
Family: Lyophyllaceae
Genus: Termitomyces
R.Heim, 1942[1]
Type species
Termitomyces striatus
(Beeli) R.Heim
Synonyms[2]

1945 Podabrella Singer
1945 Rajapa Singer
1981 Sinotermitomyces M.Zang

Termitomyces, the termite mushrooms, is a genus of basidiomycete fungi belonging to the family Lyophyllaceae.[3] All of which are completely dependent on fungus-growing termites, the Macrotermitinae, to survive, and vice versa.[4] They are the food source for these termites, who enjoy an obligate symbiosis with the genus[5] similar to that between Atta ants and Attamyces mushrooms. Termitomyces mushrooms are edible, and are highly regarded for their flavor.[6]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Kirk2008 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference urlMycoBank: Termitomyces was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Bellanger 2015 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ The Biggest Mushroom? — MykoWeb
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference NobreAanen2010 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Turnbull, E., Watling, R. (1 January 1999). "Some Records of Termitomyces from Old World Rainforests". Kew Bulletin. 54 (3). Springer Science+Business Media: 731–738. Bibcode:1999KewBu..54..731T. doi:10.2307/4110869. JSTOR 4110869.