Fauna and Fungi Symbiosis: Moles, Molecules and Mushroom Latrines

Setting: A sun-dappled clearing in the forest. Walden, a gnome with a pointed hat and a trowel in his hand, sits beside a large mound of freshly turned earth. Molly, a mole with a slightly dusty face, emerges from the tunnel entrance.

Walden: Welcome back to my interview with animal mycophiles, critters that have a relationship with fungi. I chose interviewing a mole, in honor of Mole’s Day an unofficial holiday celebrated on October 23 each year from 6:02 AM to 6:02 PM. It commemorates Avogadro’s number (6.02 x 10²³), a fundamental unit of measurement in chemistry.

The date and time are chosen because they represent the numerical value of Avogadro’s number: 6.02 (October 2) and 10²³ (23).

Okay, I know. The chemical unit, mole has nothing to do with the subterranean critter known as a mole. Also, moles are predatory and don’t eat fungi. So what’s the relationship? Let’s find out by speaking to a mole named Molly.

Good morning, Molly. Thank you for taking time out of your subterranean explorations.

Molly: (Puffs out her chest) Indeed, Walden! Another tunnel network cleared and now ready for action.

Before we get started, let me clarify that we moles are not rodents. I’m a proud member of the Order Eulipotyphla (formerly known as Insectivora). It includes us, shrews, hedgehogs, and a few others.

So tell me, what are you digging up today?

Walden: I’m reading about these fascinating mushrooms that seem to have a connection with moles. It’s a field of study called myco-talpology. This science focuses on identifying and understanding the relationship between moles and the underground nests they create. It turns out that you can locate talpid mole nests by looking for the aboveground fruiting of certain mushrooms.

Molly: (Blindly looks up) Mushrooms? You gnomes and your surface-world wonders! Do tell!

Walden: (Picks up a nearby mushroom) Well, apparently, some mushrooms, like this Hebeloma radicosum, grow near mole latrines...

Molly: (Sputters) Latrines? You mean our... uh... waste disposal areas?

Diagram citation Y. Yokohata and S. Nakamura

Sagara, N. 1999.

Walden: (Chuckles) Exactly. Hyphae break down waste and share nutrients with nearby tree roots. (Ectomycorrhizal)

Molly: Oh, our cleaners.

Walden: It’s a win-win situation. The mushrooms get nutrients; the trees get nutrients, and your latrines stay... well, less latrine-y.

Molly: It’s good to know we’re helping maintain the forest ecosystem in our own special way.

Walden: Absolutely! And who knows, maybe those same mushrooms can even tell us where your nests are located!

Molly: (She sniffs around with a worried face.) Now hold on a minute...

Walden: (Laughs) Just teasing, my friend! But this whole tripartite symbiosis between moles, mushrooms, and trees is quite remarkable, wouldn’t you say?

Molly: (Nods thoughtfully.) It truly is. We moles may not see much sunlight, but it seems even down here, we are connected to the outside world.

Walden: Indeed! Now, care to join me for a cup of tea?

Molly: (Sniffs the air) Can I add some grubs to it?

Walden: (Shakes his head) Most definitely!

Molly: (Smiling) Now that’s an offer I can’t refuse.