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An Ophiocordyceps fungus grows from the neck of a Camponotus carpenter ant it has killed. Armenia, Belize
Some Cyphomyrmex species cultivate their fungus as a yeast, visible here as little white globules. Mindo, Ecuador
The stem-hugging galleries of Allomerus octoarticulatus ants are made of fungal hyphae growing through a matrix of detritus. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Some Cyphomyrmex species cultivate their fungus as a yeast, visible here as little white globules. Mindo, Ecuador
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
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
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
The orange balls in the Reticulitermes nest are a fungus that assumes the size, texture, and chemical signature of termite eggs. Termites, being blind, can't tell the difference and care for the fungus as if they were their own eggs. Bell Smith Springs, Illinois, USA
An Ophiocordyceps fungus grows from the neck of 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
An Ophiocordyceps fungus grows from the neck of a Camponotus carpenter ant it has killed.

Armenia, Belize
See photo in original gallery.
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all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013