"Some female stinkbugs grow fungi from an organ on their hindlegs and use the microorganisms to protect their eggs from wasp attacks."
"doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-025-03370-4 Subjects"
Some female stinkbugs cultivate fungal symbionts from a specialized organ on their hindlegs. The fungi establish on the insect organ and are applied to egg masses. The fungal microorganisms provide a protective barrier that reduces successful wasp parasitism of eggs. The behavior represents an externalized form of parental care mediated by microbial associates. The hindleg organ functions as a fungal cultivation structure and a delivery site for defensive microbes. The interaction influences offspring survival by interfering with parasitoid attack strategies. The association illustrates a functional ecological role for insect-associated fungi in egg defense.
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