Ectoparasitic fungi associated to scorpions

 

Recently, an enigmatic "organism" found attached to some tropical American scorpions turned out to be an ectoparasitic fungi belonging to the order Laboulbeniales (Ascomycota). 

Luis de Armas and co-workers have now published a study presenting 30 additional scorpion species belonging to three families (Buthidae, Diplocentridae and Vaejovidae) that are also recorded as known hosts for these fungi.

Abstract:
The until now "enigmatic organism" attached to some tropical American scorpions, schizomids and woodlice, has been recently confirmed as the thallus of ectoparasitic fungi belonging to the order Laboulbeniales (Ascomycota). Besides the already published but unidentified records, 30 additional scorpion species belonging to three families (Buthidae, Diplocentridae and Vaejovidae), are herein recorded as new known hosts for these fungi. Among arachnids, these ectoparasitic fungi have been detected on Opiliones, Schizomida (first record), Scorpiones (second record) and Acari.

Reference:
Teruel R, de Armas LF, Miranda RJ. Ectoparasitic fungi (Ascomycota: Laboulbeniomycetes: Laboulbeniales) associated to scorpions and short-tailed whipscorpions (Arachnida: Scorpiones, Schizomida). Revista Iberica de Arachnologia. 2021(39):144-6.

Thanks to Rolando for sending me their article!