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An Ophiocordyceps fungus sprouts from a Camponotus carpenter ant. Armenia, Belize
An Ophiocordyceps fungus grows from a Camponotus carpenter ant it has killed. Armenia, Belize
An Ophiocordyceps fungus grows from the neck of a Camponotus carpenter ant it has killed. Armenia, Belize
This Camponotus worker ant has succumbed to an Ophiocordyceps fungus. The ant's death is peculiarly gruesome. In the early stages of infection the fungus takes partial control over the ant's brain, directing the ant to an area where the humidity is optimal for fungal growth. There, the ant bites down on a leaf vein, anchoring it in place. The fungus then kills the insect, consumes the tissues, and issues a fruiting body. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Ants killed by fungi are often found stuck to the underside of leaves near the forest floor. There, the humidity is optimal for fungal growth. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Ophiocordyceps fungus growing from the carcass of a carpenter ant. Note how the ant's mandibles have gripped the leaf edge, anchoring it in place. This behavior is induced when the fungus takes partial control over the ant's brain. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Ophiocordyceps fungus growing from the carcass of a carpenter ant. Note how the ant's mandibles have gripped the leaf edge, anchoring it in place. This behavior is induced when the fungus takes partial control over the ant's brain. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Silhouette of an Ophiocordyceps ant-killing fungus. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
In the Amazonian forest, this Camponotus femoratus ant has been killed and its tissues replaced by an aggressive Ophiocordyceps fungus. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Ants killed by fungi are often found stuck to the underside of leaves near the forest floor. There, the humidity is optimal for fungal growth.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Ants killed by fungi are often found stuck to the underside of leaves near the forest floor. There, the humidity is optimal for fungal growth. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Ants killed by fungi are often found stuck to the underside of leaves near the forest floor. There, the humidity is optimal for fungal growth.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
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all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013