Nematophagous fungus mimics olfactory cues of sex and food to lure its nematode prey.

To study the molecular basis for predator-prey coevolution, we investigated how responds to the predatory fungus . and other nematodes were attracted to volatile compounds produced by . Gas-chromatographic mass-spectral analyses of -derived volatile metabolites identified several odors mimicking food cues attractive to nematodes. One compound, methyl 3-methyl-2-butenoate (MMB) additionally triggered strong sex- and stage-specific attraction in several species. Furthermore, when MMB is present, it interferes with nematode mating, suggesting that MMB might mimic sex pheromone in species. Forward genetic screening suggests that multiple receptors are involved in sensing MMB. Response to fungal odors involves the olfactory neuron AWCs. Single-cell RNA-seq revealed the GPCRs expressed in AWC. We propose that likely evolved the means to use olfactory mimicry to attract its nematode prey through the olfactory neurons in and related species.