• Question: Can you tell me more about Cordyceps?

    Asked by BedlamKnight to Mark on 23 Jun 2016.
    • Photo: Mark Booth

      Mark Booth answered on 23 Jun 2016:


      Hi BedlamKnight

      Sure – cordyceps is known as an endoparasitoid because of the effect it has on its host. Its microcelium invade and replace host tissues before the fungus generates a fruiting body that it pokes out of the animal it has invaded.

      You can see a BBC film of cordyceps in action on ants if you search online. The ant slowly loses its ability to move as the fungus takes over. Grim but fascinating

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