Detection of hypogeous fungi by Tasmanian bettong (Bettongia gaimardi: Marsupialia; Macropodoidea).

The ability of Tasmanian bettongs (Bettongia gaimardi) to locate hypogeous fungi (their main diet) was tested in a controlled laboratory situation. Bettongs dug directly over buried fungi significantly more often than they did over buried glass marbles or over disturbed soil. This ability was not enhanced as they gained experience. Bettongs dug more often over buried filter paper onto which fungus extract was absorbed than over control papers, and showed no discrimination between the outer and inner layers of the fungi. They preferred the odor of whole fungi to individual volatile compounds. They showed no reaction to the odor of the steroid ergosterol.