Hi Kevin,
You were pretty close with "yeast", but they are laboulbeniales fungi of the Class Laboulbeniomycetes. They are quite common on dung beetles from around the world, and also occur on a wide variety of other beetles. A five volume work on the group was published by Thaxter from 1896-1931, but I think the group has been neglected by Mycologists over the last few decades . . . or perhaps half century!
Cheers,
Bruce
B.D.Gill, Ph.D., F.R.E.S.
Editor-in-Chief, Biodiversity
Published by Biodiversity Conservancy International http://biodiversityconservancy.org
and Taylor & Francis Journals http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tbid20
On 2017-10-11 15:13, Floate, Kevin wrote:
Hi All:
My colleague, Wes Watson, has a project with Onthophagus taurus. A number of the adult beetles he’s recovering are speckled with yellow spots. Closer examination reveals what appears to be yeast(?) in the spots. Have others made a similar observations on beetles? Photos are attached.
Any clue as to what these are?
If you can help Wes out, I know he would appreciate it. Please contact Wes directly at [log in to unmask]
Thanks,
Kevin
Kevin Floate, Research Scientist
Insect Biocontrol | Lutte biologique aux insectes
Lethbridge Research Centre | Centre de recherches de Lethbridge
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada | Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada
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Dr. Kevin Floate, Editor-in-Chief