The initial stages of "zombie-ant fungi" are pure art. Its pink coloration and the asexual features (note the plug behind the ant's head) are prominently beautiful at this stage. Ophiocordyceps camponoti-rufipedis on Campontus rufipes. São Joa

Just put my hands on the current issue of Persoonia, featuring my photo on the cover and an article with @CharissaB proposing 2 new genera of mycoparasites associated with the zombie-ant fungus Ophiocordyceps camponoti-floridani

Cordyceps do not manipulate the host behavior, Ophiocordyceps do. The zombie fungi are a mega diverse group. They are found not only deep in the forest, but can be near you! Check these and other info about #TheLastOfUsHBO fungus on my last article @ https://foxdeo.com/844e.tnk

A beautifully mature Ophiocordyceps unilateralis s.l. from Parque Nacional de São Joaquim - SC, Southern Brazil 12/2022. The fruiting body is ready to shoot over 300,000 spores along its life, creating a mine field below the infected carcass.