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  • noun Any of several diverse structures on the body of an animal that are adapted for the transport of symbiotic fungi (usually as spores)

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  • (n): (Biology) a specialized structure on the body of an insect for the transport of spores of symbiotic fungi. These structures (mycangia) are most common among xylophagous insects and beetles and range from simple pits to complex cuticular invaginations or sacs.

    Think of them as little panniers that the bugs use to carry fungal spores for planting within the tunnels and galleries that they bore into woody plant tissues. The fungus proliferates, and the bugs feed on the fungus. They're destructive little gardeners.

    January 29, 2009