|
Attack of the killer fungus: the fruiting body of Cordyceps
unilateralis erupts from the host African Stink ant,
Pachycondyla tarsata in the steamy rainforest of Central African
Republic. The fungus alters the ant’s behaviour making it climb a
tall twig into which it bites and dies. This allows the fungus to
enter the reproductive phase in an elevated position, facilitating
the widespread dissemination of the spores.
Photograph © Simon van
Noort |
