If you watch "The Last of Us” you have probably heard of the fungus Cordyceps. Cordyceps is a real parasitic fungus with hundreds of species worldwide, which takes up root in insects and other arthropods rather than soil or plants. When Cordyceps attacks a host, the mycelium (a root-like structure of a fungus) invades and eventually replaces the host tissue. Cordyceps ultimately kills its host and then grows a branch or tendril-like stalk from the body of the infected. The tendril then releases

Deepak Kumar on Instagram: "The cordyceps fungus (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis) infects ants via spores. It manipulates the ant's behavior by invading muscles and neurons, forcing it to climb high and bite down in a "death grip." The fungus then kills the ant, consumes its body, and sprouts a stalk from its head to release spores, infecting more ants below. This "zombie" process aids fungal reproduction in tropical forests. Fascinating evolution!"

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アリ類の中に真菌が感染したアリ、冬虫夏草

23 Bizarre Photos Of Cordyceps, The 'Zombie Fungus' That Takes Over The World In 'The Last Of Us'