Life as a Parasite

Since Cordyceps are parasitic by nature, they typically begin their cycle by releasing fungal spores that land onto plants or an unwilling host. Arthropods and caterpillars are their usual targets. When the spores infect the host, they begin to exhibit strange habits that eventually lead to their death. The hosts usually climb on top of plants to die, then they begin to grow a stroma. This continues the cycle through the spread of spore.

Cycle Summarized

• Spore Release – Cordyceps fungi start to release their spores in the environment.
• Spore Attachment – Spores attach themselves on their host, typically on the insect’s exoskeleton.
• Germination – The spore germinates and begins to grow into the insect, penetrating its exoskeleton.
• Internal Growth – The fungus infects their host’s body, feeding on its tissues.
• Host Manipulation (in some species) – The fungus can take over the host’s behavior, such as making ants to climb plants.
• Host Death – The host dies once the fungus has finished devouring most of its tissues.
• Fruiting Body Formation – A stroma develops from the host’s body, usually on the head or back.
• Spore Production – The host’s body starts to produce and release spore particle into the environment, continuing the cycle.