Fungi That Hunt: Diversity, Mechanisms, and Evolutionary Perspectives
Authors: Purnendu Paul, and Prakash Pradhan*
West Bengal Biodiversity Board, Prani Sampad Bhawan, 5th Floor, LB-2, Sector-III, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India – 700 106
*Corresponding author: Prakash Pradhan: Email: shresthambj@gmail.com
Abstract
Carnivorous fungi, also known as nematode-trapping fungi, represent a unique group of soil-dwelling organisms that have evolved intricate mechanisms to capture and digest nematodes. These fungi offered promising solutions for sustainable nematode management in agriculture.
This review explored their diversity, habitat preferences, seasonal occurrence, substrate specificity and global distribution. These fungi evolved monophyletically, and genomic and transcriptomic studies have provided valuable insights into the evolution of their carnivorous lifestyle and the regulation of pathogenicity-related genes. The review presented a comprehensive analysis of the various trap types employed by nematophagous fungi, including adhesive nets, knobs, branches, and constricting rings, highlighting their structural diversity and evolutionary significance. Emphasis was placed on the genera Arthrobotrys, Dactylella, and Monacrosporium, which were extensively studied for their potential in sustainable agriculture. The influence of environmental factors, including pH, temperature, and nutrient availability, on trap formation and predatory efficiency was also examined. Furthermore, the review evaluated the application of nematophagous fungi in integrated pest management programs, their compatibility with other biocontrol agents, and the challenges associated with their large-scale
production and field efficacy.
Keywords: Carnivorous fungi, endoparasitic fungi, nematophagous fungi, nematode-trapping structures, sustainable agriculture.
Document Type: Review Article
Citation: Paul P, & Pradhan P. (2026). Fungi That Hunt: Diversity, Mechanisms, and Evolutionary Perspectives. Mycological Spectrum 02(02):13-59.
Received: 17 December 2025 | Accepted: 24 May 2026 | Published: 30 May 2026.
Handling Editor: Dr. Shilpa Verekar | Reviewer: Professor K.R. Sridhar and Dr. S.K. Singh.
Copyright: ©2026. Paul & Pradhan. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution, or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution, or reproduction is permitted that does not comply with these terms.
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