Cuckoo Fungus Mimics Termite Eggs by Producing the Cellulose-Digesting Enzyme β-Glucosidase

摘要: Summary Insects and fungi share a long history of association in various habitats, including the wood-decomposition niche [1]. Fungal mimicry termite eggs is one most striking evolutionary consequences insect–fungus [2, 3]. Termites genus Reticulitermes often harbor fungal sclerotia, called "termite balls," along with nursery chambers, whereby fungus gains competitor-free habitat nests. Sophisticated morphological chemical camouflage are needed for to mimic [3]. However, mechanism egg by unknown. Here, we show that mimics chemically producing cellulose-digesting enzyme β-glucosidase. We found egg-recognition pheromone consists β-glucosidase lysozyme. Both enzymes major salivary compounds termites also produced eggs. Termite balls were tended only when Our results demonstrated overlap cellulose digestion between sharing same chemicals provided opportunity origin fungus. This suggests might have originally evolved within other life contexts, later gaining function communication.