The presence of the Sciaphila yakushimensis, a parasitic species that relies on
fungal hosts, is also evidence that a hidden network of
symbiotic relationships between fungi and roots (mycorrhizae) exists in the lowland primeval forests of Yakushima.
Our project, Genomics of a Beetle -
fungal symbiosis with massive implications for forest Disturbance Ecology, aims to understand the obligate
relationship between bark and ambrosia beetles and their
symbiotic fungi.