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407 / Mesozoic
Gerontomyces
Gerontomyces lepidotus
Hyphae surrounding a scale insect preserve a tiny Cretaceous association.
- Time range
- About 99 million years ago
- Final stage
- Middle Cretaceous
- Geographic range
- Tree-bark microhabitat · Myanmar
01 / DEFINITION & ECOLOGY
What was Gerontomyces?
Gerontomyces (Gerontomyces lepidotus) was an extinct organism known from About 99 million years ago, with a range in Tree-bark microhabitat · Myanmar.
Life and ecology
The fungus may have used the insect, its secretions or its remains.
02 / DISAPPEARANCE
Why did Gerontomyces disappear?
Host and microhabitat turnover ended this association.
03 / EVIDENCE
How do scientists know about Gerontomyces?
Amber preserves fungus, reproductive structures and scale insect together; infection timing remains uncertain.
04 / SOURCES & FURTHER READING
Check the source record
Use the scientific name to compare taxonomy, occurrence records and the fossil record. Database coverage and classifications may differ.
05 / REVISION HISTORY
How has this record changed?
- Verified authoritative entity sources and added three responsive reconstruction sizes.
- Initial bilingual species record published.
06 / CORRECTIONS & ADDITIONS