Cordyceps Fungus: Attack on Insects

Nature is often visualized as a serene paradise that radiates a breathtaking beauty with its luscious, verdant landscapes and medley of living organisms. As enchanting as nature may seem, it is also composed of some of the most horrific and hair-raising organisms to exist on our planet.

Deemed as the zombie fungus, Cordyceps fungus is a type of entomopathogenic fungus that consists of around 400 species. This parasitic organism has the chilling ability to overtake the entire body of an insect, turning it into a mindless creature with the sole purpose of fungal reproduction. This genus of fungus can be found in countries in Asia such as Nepal, Bhutan, and Vietnam and are especially abundant in humid, tropical forests.

The infection begins when the fungal spores land and penetrate the ant’s exoskeleton. Once the spores take root, the growing infection causes the ant to experience abnormal body convulsions, causing it to fall from the high forest canopy (the ants’ usual location) to the forest floor. After descending to the lower levels of the forest, the infected ant is then manipulated by the fungus to search for a spot with the desired humidity and temperature. The host then climbs onto the stem of a small sapling/leaf and bites down, dying shortly after. The stroma of the fungus erupts from the back of the ant’s head as the infection continues, and spores are then released from the stroma after the fungus matures. This horrific cycle continues as these newly released spores land on nearby ants, as well as other types of insects.

Picture Source: theconversation.com