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

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

🍄 Les Cordyceps sont de redoutables prédateurs qui parasitent les insectes. Parmi ces champignons parasites, certains parviennent même à prendre le contrôle des mouvements et des comportements de leurs victimes. « Le monde extraordinaire des champignons », un nouveau numéro de « Science grand format », en partenariat avec le Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, à découvrir jeudi 24 octobre sur France 5 et sur notre plateforme bit.ly/FTV_Cordyceps | France tv nature

Real life ZOMBIE BUGS 🧟 !! Cordyceps fungi can infect insects and spiders by releasing spores that attach to the host’s body, which then go through their exoskeleton, and take over their internal systems. This alters the insects behaviour, turning them into “zombies”! The fungi can guide their host to a prime location, fuse them in place, then produce their fruiting body to release spores so the cycle and continue. There are over 260 species of cordyceps found worldwide of which most are parasi