Raffaelea

Raffaelea is a genus of ambrosia fungi. These fungi are associated with ambrosia beetles, forming a symbiotic relationship where the beetles cultivate the fungi within their galleries in trees. The beetles provide the fungi with transportation and habitat, while the fungi serve as a food source for the beetles and their larvae. The genus Raffaelea contains various species, some of which are known to be plant pathogens, contributing to diseases in trees by blocking vascular tissues. Identification of Raffaelea species often relies on morphological characteristics and increasingly, molecular techniques. The study of Raffaelea is significant in forest pathology and entomology, as it sheds light on the complex interactions between fungi, insects, and trees, as well as the mechanisms behind tree diseases and insect-vectored fungal pathogens.