Dung Fungi

What Are They

Dung fungi or coprophilous fungi are a large group of saprobic fungi that have a unique life cycle in that they help to break down the dung of animals. Although mostly microscopic, dung fungi include some of the most spectacular members of their kingdom.

Unknown Mould

Composition of dung

The dung of herbivores consists mostly of undigested plant remains due to the inefficiency of the animal's digestive systems. These plant remains are considerably broken down thus an excellent source of nutrients for the growth of fungi. The dung from carnivores and omnivores contain a lot more sugar and are usually broken down by bacteria.

Unidentified

Types of fungi

As mentioned above all the different fungi kingdoms are represented, although many are so small that without a microscope you would never see them. To avoid conflict there is a succession of different fungi on the dung as it ages. Starting with bacteria and ending with the basidiomycetes.

Unidentified

Ascomycetes

Ascomycetes are one of the largest groups with around 175 genera. Many have light-seeking (phototropic) mechanisms built into the tips of their asci, or the necks of their perithecial, so that their spores can be shot away from the dung.

Coprobia granulata

Basidiomycetes

Basidiomycetes, all through not a large group, has many with large fruiting bodies, thus being more easier to seen. Most belong to one of the four-agaric genus, Bolbitius, Conocybe, Psilocybe and Coprinus. Some of Coprinus can conduct chemical warfare against the hyphae of other fungi and after vanquishing them then can dominate the dung for a time.

Psilocybe coprophila

Zygomycetes

Through Zygomycetes can be found on other organic substrates there are several genuses that are truly coprophilous. Like the Pilobolus, the hat-thrower, which aims and shoots its sporangia up to 2 metres toward the light, Zygomycetes appear early in the succession sequence of dung inhabitants.

Hyphomycetes (Fungi Imperfecti)

Hyphomycetes also known as Deuteromycetes are even less conspicuous then all others, lacking the ability to shoot their spores but are numerous and often abundant on dung. These are considered to be opportunist and not true coprophilous fungi, and arrive on the dung after it's voided.

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