What fungus causes white-nose syndrome in bats?

Pseudogymnoascus destructans causes white-nose syndrome in bats. This cold-loving fungus colonizes the skin of hibernating bats, especially the muzzle, ears, and wing membranes, producing the conspicuous white growth that gives the disease its name.

The fungus grows in the cool conditions of caves and mines, generally from about 4°C to 20°C, but not above roughly 20°C. During hibernation, infection can disturb a bat’s normal torpor cycle. Bats may wake too often, burn through their winter fat reserves, become dehydrated, and eventually die from emaciation.

Scientists first described the organism as Geomyces destructans. Genetic and evolutionary studies later showed that it belonged in Pseudogymnoascus, leading to the current name in 2013. The specific name destructans means “destroying.”

The fungus is present in Europe and Asia, where bats appear to have a longer history of exposure and generally suffer less mass mortality. In North America, it was first detected in New York State in 2006 and caused severe declines in several hibernating bat species.