Lignocellulosic fungi in nests and food content of Constrictotermes cyphergaster and Inquilinitermes fur (Isoptera, Termitidae) from the semiarid region of Brazil

Termite nests are microenvironments rich in organic matter and fauna, and are home to several groups of organisms such as lichens and fungi. Termite species from the genus Inquilinitermes live in the nests of Constrictotermes cyphergaster and feed on the feces of their host, which is a dark material (black mass) rich in lignin and cellulose. This study assessed the richness of lignocellulosic fungi associated with the black mass from the nests and the food content of C. cyphergaster and the inquilinous Inquilinitermes fur. The black mass of the nests and their adjacent soils, in addition to the food content from 100 workers of each termite species, were submitted to serial dilutions of up to 10−4 g ml−1. Ten species of fungi were recorded. The analysis of similarity revealed two groups (soil and black mass versus food content of termites) that were 84% dissimilar. For I. fur, fungal richness was higher in the paunch, while for C. cyphergaster, the richness was higher in the crop. The mycobiota consisted of ascomycetes known for their potential to decompose cellulose and lignin.