Collembola–Myxomycetes relationships: Spore feeding and coexistence on dead trees

Dead trees in forests are home to several organisms interacting with each other. However, research on the interactions between Myxomycetes and other organisms has not progressed. This study investigated the interactions between Myxomycetes, which depends on dead trees in forests, and Collembola, which visits their fruiting bodies. It was hypothesized that Collembola may have viable myxomycetes spores inside and outside their bodies and experiments were conducted to determine whether these spores would germinate. The Myxomycetes families Cribrariaceae and Trichiaceae were collected from the study site and Collembola (Isotomidae) were extracted from the fruiting bodies. We waited for the Collembola to excrete and molt, cultured their feces and exuviae separately, observed germination from the spores, and calculated the percentage germination. Myxomycete spores were found in both feces and exuviae. This result suggests an interaction in which Myxomycetes provides fruiting bodies and spores as food for Collembola, and Collembola not only feed on them but also play a role in their dispersal. This study is significant considering it clarifies part of the interaction between Collembola and Myxomycetes. This study applied a novel approach, using a culture method with double-sided tape and slide glass for the long-term culture of feces and exuviae. This study demonstrated the potential for Myxomycetes to disperse spores by utilizing the endozoochory and epizoochory of Collembola. This study discusses the effectiveness of the spore dispersal of Myxomycetes via Collembola.