
Cordyceps Fungus Growing On An Ant

by Science Photo Library
Title
Cordyceps Fungus Growing On An Ant
Artist
Science Photo Library
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Fruiting bodies of a cordyceps fungus (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis) growing out of the body of an ant. Chains of spores released by the fruiting bodies are visible. Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that releases airborne spores which infect and slowly destroy the bodies of insects. The fungus can sometimes alter the behaviour of its host before killing it, ensuring the insect will die in a high place, enabling the spores of the fungus to be spread easily. Photographed in Yasuni National Park, Amazon rainforest, Ecuador.
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August 5th, 2016
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