Cordyceps

fungi · parasites · insects · medicine

Zombie-making fungi. Cordyceps are special fungi that infect insects and take over their bodies, making them do things that help the fungus spread. It's like the fungus is controlling the insect's brain.

More than 260 species. There are over 260 different kinds of cordyceps fungi around the world, and most of them parasitize insects and other small creatures. A few types even attack other fungi instead.

Ancient medicine treasure. For more than 1,500 years, people in China have used cordyceps in traditional medicine to help with energy, strength, and healing. Some cordyceps species are still very valuable today.

Sneaky life strategy. Cordyceps fungi are endoparasitoids, meaning they live inside their host's body while slowly using its resources. Eventually, the fungus produces spores that spread to infect more insects.

Nature's science puzzle. Scientists study cordyceps to understand how parasites can control their hosts' behavior, which teaches us about how tiny creatures can have big effects in nature.