When a cordyceps fungus attacks a host, the mycelium invades and eventually takes control of the body — replacing the host tissue. An elongated fruit body, called an ascocarp, will then spring forth and release the spores. Ensuring that the zombie bug apocalypse continues… #FungusFriday 🧟‍♂️ 🍄 | Science Channel

Yes, the Cordyceps fungus is real—and it can destroy entire insect colonies. | National Geographic

ZOMBIE TIME!!! Check this out! While hiking through the dense jungles of Ecuador I spotted something peculiar: a moth entirely inundated with Cordyceps! This parasitic fungus grows into the body of invertebrates and hijacks their nervous system; gaining control of all motor functions and turning the unsuspecting arthropod into a zombie built for the infection of others. Once infected, the invertebrate no longer has control, and is often forced to climb to impressive heights before ultimately suc