Distribution patterns of four Termitomyces species cultivated by a fungus-growing termite, Odontotermes formosanus, in Taiwan

Fungus-growing termites inoculate the obligate symbiotic fungus Termitomyces into the fungus comb in their colonies. In this study, Taiwanese Termitomyces species were determined by diagnostic PCR using the metagenome of the body of Odontotermes formosanus (the only host termite living in Taiwan) as a template. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that four different Termitomyces species are cultivated by O. formosanus in Taiwan. Three have previously been registered in the DNA database, but one was first recorded in Taiwan. Only Termitomyces sp. Type C was distributed in all areas investigated in Taiwan, whereas the other three species were distributed regionally. Field observations indicated that the flush period and the number of fruit bodies in each colony varied between species. The distribution patterns of Termitomyces spp. in Taiwan may be related to the Taiwanese climate and/or the fruiting pattern. •Four Termitomyces species establish symbiosis with a fungus-growing termite in Taiwan.•One Termitomyces is first recorded in Taiwan.•Only one species inhabits all of Taiwan, whereas the other is regionally distributed.•Flush period and size of fruit body may affect Termitomyces distribution pattern.