Aramak "Ophiocordyceps"

Neat and creepy work by @CharissaB on Ophiocordyceps and zombie ants

FOSSIL ZOMBIE ANT! Possibly one of the coolest fossils ever, this 48 million year old leaf has tiny paired scars from mind-controlled ants infected with Ophiocordyceps fungus. Hope you enjoyed the #Paleomoji Spooktacular Enjoy #FossilFriday.

Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, the fungus that infects ants and makes them walk to a place optimal for its growth. Luckily for the ants, there is a fungus that infects this fungus so only a little more than 5% of its spores are viable. photo by Jay E

I've written a post about the secret double-life of the caterpillar fungus , Ophiocordyceps sinensis - Being plant endophytes in the streets, Zombifying caterpillars in the sheets.https://foxdeo.com/Ue6e.tnk

Ladybirds infected with fungi are in @GroundedTheGame! Looks like some Laboulbeniales combined with a pinch of Ophiocordyceps.