Cordyceps Mushroom Flower

What is a Cordyceps mushroom? Cordyceps is a type of fungus that is widespread. Some of the rarest species are found in the Himalayan regions of China, Nepal, Tibet, and India at higher altitudes. More than 750 distinct species of cordyceps have been identified. Scientists have identified at least 35 species as having potential medicinal and health benefits. The parasitic nature of cordyceps makes them particularly intriguing. Each species of cordyceps preys on a distinct invertebrate. One species of cordyceps, for instance, can infect a particular species of carpenter ant. However, this species of cordyceps has no effect on other species of ants, even across regions. In addition to spiders, moths, and dragonflies, cordyceps has also been used to kill moths and dragonflies. Here is how it operates: A cordyceps spore infects its host after landing on it. It then begins to disseminate mycelia (or tendrils) throughout the interior of the insect. These tendrils supplant the internal tissu