Possibly a pathenogenic fungi (on a dragonfly)?

RoyW · #1 (**permalink**) 08-09-2010, 07:54 PM

Hi all,

Apologies for posting a link, but the photos aren't mine to upload to WAB, and as the forum thread it links to should remain I'm hoping the indisgression can be overlooked.

someone might know
The above link shows a Migrant Hawker dragonfly which was apparently near death, and has what I think might be a fungal fruiting body growing out of the end of the abdomen.
Are any of the experts on here able to comment? I would be very interested in finding out whether it could be a fungal pathogen.

Roy.

Chris Yeates · #2 (**permalink**) 08-09-2010, 08:34 PM

I am pretty sure that is no fungal pathogen - it looks nothing like any of the groups - Entomophthorales, Laboulbeniales, Hypocreales etc - which do attack insects

Chris

RoyW · #3 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 05:31 PM

Thanks Chris.

The fungi that I have so far found referenced as having been found on dragonflies and damselflies are mostly within Hypocreales.

It doesn't get us any closer to identifying what it could be, but even a negative reply is of course of use!

Roy.