1. Parasitic Fungi and Carpenter Ants: The adaptive extended phenotype of Ophiocordyceps Alex McColl

2. An Adaptive extended Phenotype Cam Goater; Lecture 1Google images Definition- The genotype of one organism affecting the phenotype of another organism Ex) Morphology, behaviour...ect In Context- “ The expression of parasite genes in host tissue for the purpose of increasing parasite fitness” Anderson Google

3. The Players O. unilateralis Parasitic Fungus Entomopathogenic Camponotus leonardi Arboreal Carpenter Ant Anderson et al

4. The Death Grip The parasitic fungus takes over the ant’s brain causing it to bite hard onto vegetation right before it dies Andersen et al

5. Life Cycle <48 Hours post mortem 9 days A few weeks post mortem *P= Perthecial plate contains asci Spore dispersal creates an infectious killing field Andersen et al Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

6. Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgkL8PulP dE&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgkL8PulP dE&feature=related

7. Parameters A)Dead host location on the leaf B)Ant length C)Height leaf bearing the dead host above the ground D)The total height of the plant E) The leafs compass orientation F) Host use after death

8. Methods (sample collection) Took quadrates (samples of 2m 2 ) from ant graveyards and looked at parameters A-E Controls Height- relocated infected (24 post-infection) and uninfected ants to canopy and ground level. Where infection occurred - Used secondary minor parasite of Camponotus leonardi (Polyrhachis) Abiotic Factors (Humidity and temperature)- took measurements at 30cm & 5, 10, 15, & 25 m

9. Results A (Location of death grip) Biting ants all on the underside of the leaf -98% were found on a leaf vein. Controls showed less specificity B (infected Ant length) C (Height above Ground) D height of Plant (forest) E (Orientation)Significantly biased towards the North- Northwest side of the leaf Mean= 5.63 mm All Camponotus leonardi were found at a mean height of 25.2 cm in low temperature, high humidity ; little variation. Infection outside this range resulted in abnormal fungal growth Canopy <30m; Ant graves- understory; healthy ants – near the canopy

10. Adaptive Significance Location of death grip -Securing shelter & nutrients -Shade Height Above ground -Optimal location for spore dispersal and fungal growth - Infectious kill zone North/Northwest bias- ?

11. Host Use after infection (f) Measured fungal growth at 2 weeks, 48hr,9 days, & 9 days w/ Perthecial Plate -Scalpel sectioning of infected ants (Left) - Treatment and staining of infected ant heads at various infection times (middle) -C:N analysis (right) Andersen et al

12. Results Fungi inside infected ants (within niche area) had a complex structure The cuticle of the ant was not colonized by the fungus per se, rather it was remodelled Muscles remained preserved for many weeks post infection C:N showed that the orange fungal structure has higher C:N ratio

13. Why? Cuticle Remodelling- Protection- reduces contact with other competitors Muscle Preservation- Important for the biology of the fungus C:N ratio- Speculate: storage function

14. O. Unilateralis has evolved many traits to manipulate host behaviour, and host bodies O. Unlateralis changes host behaviour by manipulating hosts into dyeing in a location optimal for fungal growth O. Unilateralis uses host tissues in a specific way to achieve energy allocation, protection, and reproduction Collectively these traits represent a complex extended phenotype

15. References Andersen, S. B., Gerritsma, S., Yusah, K. M., Mayntz, D., Hywel-Jones, N. L., Billen, J., &... Hughes, D. P. (2009). Natural History Note: The Life of a Dead Ant: The Expression of an Adaptive Extended Phenotype. American Naturalist, 174(3), 424-433. http://classes.uleth.ca/201101/biol4800a/paper s%20for%20review/3.hostinds/Anderson.pdf

16. Questions?