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cordyceps

cordyceps

1 9.9
A fungus that grows inside and kills insects like caterpillars
  • noun
  • /ˈkɔrdɪˌsɛps/
  • Specialized
: cordyceps
  • Then does the Ant sort of become a robot for the Cordyceps mushroom or fungus?

Then does the Ant sort of become a robot for the Cordyceps mushroom or fungus?

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Examples

  • The Cordyceps fungi infect ants, taking control of their movements and replacing their tissue.

  • So effectively these, these Cordyceps are are taking over the behavior of the ants.

  • First of all, they're infected with the Cordyceps fungus, which is a real fungus, but it's like they're like Raiders that get through and stuff like that.

  • The researcher studied how Cordyceps can manipulate the behavior of its insect hosts.

  • In the rainforest, Cordyceps thrived by invading the bodies of various insects.

Synonyms

Entomophthora
vscordyceps
  • Specialized
9.9

A fungus that infects and often kills insects

infects a wider range including other arthropods and often replaces host tissue

Surface Forms

cordyceps singular
cordyceps plural

Etymology

Cordyceps comes from two parts that mean 'club' and 'head' — cordy- from a Greek word for 'club' and -ceps as in biceps meaning 'head'. Many species grow a little 'club' out of the body of the insect they infect, so the name simply describes their club‑like shape.