Variable Responses to Surface Washing Methods Used on Euplatypus compositus (Curculionidae: Platypodinae) Prior to Fungal Isolation

Authors

Connor Biser, Brigham Young University - ProvoFollow
Jiri Hulcr, University of Florida
Miranda Barnes, University of Florida
Seth Bybee, Brigham Young University - ProvoFollow

Files

Keywords

coleoptera, symbiosis, evolution, fungus

Abstract

Ambrosia beetles (Platypodinae and Scolytinae) are a group of weevils that burrow into the xylem of trees and inoculate symbiotic fungi. These fungi grow in the walls of their galleries and serves as the beetles’ food source.1 [Fig. 1] This system of symbiotic interaction is highly convergent, and some beetles carry plant pathogens.2 Understanding the community of fungi associated with ambrosia beetles can help us assess forest risks and describe evolutionary patterns. When isolating fungi from beetles, researchers often include a preliminary surface washing step to limit superficial contaminants from the surface of the beetle. There have been no comparisons between the relative efficacies of distinct washing methods to date.

BYU ScholarsArchive Citation

Biser, Connor; Hulcr, Jiri; Barnes, Miranda; and Bybee, Seth, "Variable Responses to Surface Washing Methods Used on Euplatypus compositus (Curculionidae: Platypodinae) Prior to Fungal Isolation" (2026). Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026. 2.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/library_studentposters_2026/2

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2026-03-26

Language

English

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Junior

Copyright Use Information

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/