Trichomycete fungi associated with mosquito larvae in northeastern Arkansas

Trichomycete fungi are obligate gut fungi that inhabit the cuticle of the hindgut or the peritrophic membrane of the midgut of many aquatic insect larvae. While trichomycete and mosquito associations are starting to become better understood, studies assessing their distribution and ecology in Arkansas are lacking. A survey of mosquito-trichomycete associations was conducted over two years to determine what species of trichomycetes are associated with mosquito larvae in this area. The data generated by this survey is important since a few trichomycetes can be detrimental to their hosts and may one day have the potential to provide new and useful management tools for integrated mosquito management.