this post was submitted on 05 Apr 2025
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Mycology

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The first thing this fungus does to its newly infected victim is to take over the insects mind. A zombie is created. the insect is forced to climb up and up. Eventually stopping, it latches on as tight as possible to the nearest branch. The insect will never move again.

Now the processes can really start, the fungi fully devours the insect interior. using the energy gathered, long spore producing structures are extruded out of the insects body.

like little ships sailing to colonise new land, thousands of spores float away on ever drifting air currents. the cycle continues

Found in New Zealand

Tree species: rimu, Dacrydium cupressinum

Wasp species: german wasp, Vespula germanica

Fungus species: genus and species currently unknown by me, any info would be much appreciated.

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 week ago

Sorry :( here's a baby fern to hopefully make you happier