Entomophthora muscae
Entomophthora muscae | |
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E. muscae colonising Scathophaga stercoraria | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | |
Phylum: | |
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Genus: | |
Species: | E. muscae
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Binomial name | |
Entomophthora muscae (
Cohn) Fresen. | |
Synonyms[1] | |
E. schizophorae Cohn |
Entomophthora muscae is a species of pathogenic fungus in the order Entomophthorales which causes a fatal disease in flies. It can cause epizootic outbreaks of disease in houseflies and has been investigated as a potential biological control agent.
Life cycle
Soon after a fly dies from infection with this pathogenic fungus, large primary
Host range
As well as the housefly
Ecology
Outbreaks of infection with Entomophthora muscae tend to occur in the spring and autumn. The fungus is found in most temperate regions and sporulation usually takes place in cool, humid conditions in areas where flies congregate and rest. In houses, the corpses of flies are frequently seen attached to windows or window frames, a place where other flies may easily become infected. In the open, they may be seen attached to the underneath of leaves, on fences and walls, in agricultural buildings and poultry houses.[2]
Use in biological control
There are technical difficulties in controlling flies with Entomophthora muscae. The fungus is sensitive to temperature and when the air temperature is high, the prevalence of the disease decreases to very low levels.[6] Houseflies infected with E. muscae were able to rid themselves of the infection by resting at temperatures that inhibited the growth of the fungus.[7] Storage of the organism in a viable state is difficult and it cannot be easily cultured in the laboratory. Captive colonies need to be maintained through direct transmission from fly to fly. There is no commercially available supply of the pathogen.[2]
References
- ^ "Entomophthora muscae (Cohn) Fresen. 1856". MycoBank. International Mycological Association. Retrieved 2010-12-14.
- ^ a b c d e Watson, D.W. "Entomophthora muscae". Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Entomology. Archived from the original on 2010-11-22. Retrieved 2010-12-14.
- .
- ^ "Entomophthora muscae, a fungus that infects houseflies". Tom Volk's fungus of the month. March 2000. Retrieved 2010-12-14.
- ISBN 978-81-224-1781-4.
- .
- .
Further reading
- Tessa Koumoundouros (4 Nov 2021). "Creepy Zombie Fungus Turns Insects Into Horny 'Necrophiles', Proving Nature Is Sick". ScienceAlert.