By detecting fungal exudates which indicate a fungal infection, insects can discharge a defensive chemical response. Insect lineages with these traits have a much better chance of surviving and spreading their genes to the next generation. However, it is not that simple. Parasitic fungi too adapt over time and this evolutionary arms race ensues.
Read moreevolutionary arms race; parasitic fungi Vs. The greater wax moth
The parasitized greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella). The production of dark melanized tissue is its initial anti-fungal response. Vilcinskas 2019.