DETECTION OF HYPOGEOUS FUNGI BY TASMANIAN BETTONG (BETTONGIA-GAIMARDIMARSUPIALIA, MACROPODOIDEA)

The ability of Tasmanian bettongs (Bettongia gaimardi) to locate hypog eous fungi (their main diet) was tested in a controlled laboratory sit uation. Bettongs dug directly over buried fungi significantly more oft en than they did over buried glass marbles or over disturbed soil. Thi s ability was not enhanced as they gained experience. Bettongs dug mor e often over buried filter paper onto which fungus extract was absorbe d than over control papers, and showed no discrimination between the o uter and inner layers of the fungi. They preferred the odor of whole f ungi to individual volatile compounds. They showed no reaction to the odor of the steroid ergosterol.