Fungal Genomics

The fungus Ophiocordyceps camponoti-floridani infects the ant Camponotus floridanus and manipulates its behavior. It is found in Florida (USA).

In order to identify candidate genes involved in the behavioral modification, the genome of O. camponoti-floridani was sequenced and annotated in collaboration with Charissa de Bekker at the University of Central Florida.

Figure. The figure depicts an ant that was killed by O. camponoti-floridani. Fruiting structures emerge from the ant’s head, producing sexual spores. (Photo credit: Roel Fleuren)