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Ophiocordyceps sp. on a Beetle Larva Pushing up through leaf litter below large oaks, ashes, and hickory trees in a dense mixed hardwood/coniferous forest in NW Georgia (Gordon County), US. June 22, 2018.<br /> <br /> Ophiocordyceps is a genus of ascomycetes that parasitize arthropods.:) This genus is best known for its ability to turn insects into &quot;zombies.&quot; I&#039;m not sure the exact mechanism that this species takes, but I know several within this genus manipulate insect behaviors to ensure optimal spore dispersal.<br /> <br /> UPDATE: <br /> It has been brought to my attention that this is likely a different Ophiocordyceps species altogether! North American species have not been studied extensively, so my specimens need further study (possibly sequencing) to get any further! I am working on contacting some experts on the matter, and I will keep you all apprised.<br /> <br /> <figure class="photo"><a href="https://www.jungledragon.com/image/62572/ophiocordyceps_sp._on_a_beetle_larva.html" title="Ophiocordyceps sp. on a Beetle Larva"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.jungledragon.com/images/3231/62572_thumb.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=05GMT0V3GWVNE7GGM1R2&Expires=1759968010&Signature=SrHy3K2vNprce7QjvoSASj%2B7u2I%3D" width="200" height="134" alt="Ophiocordyceps sp. on a Beetle Larva Pushing up through leaf litter below large oaks, ashes, and hickory trees in a dense mixed hardwood/coniferous forest in NW Georgia (Gordon County), US. June 22, 2018.<br /> <br /> Ophiocordyceps is a genus of ascomycetes that parasitize arthropods.:) This genus is best known for its ability to turn insects into &quot;zombies.&quot; I&#039;m not sure the exact mechanism that this species takes, but I know several within this genus manipulate insect behaviors to ensure optimal spore dispersal.<br /> <br /> UPDATE: <br /> It has been brought to my attention that this is likely a different Ophiocordyceps species altogether! North American species have not been studied extensively, so my specimens need further study (possibly sequencing) to get any further! I am working on contacting some experts on the matter, and I will keep you all apprised.<br /> <br /> https://www.jungledragon.com/image/62573/ophiocordyceps_sp._on_a_beetle_larva.html Geotagged,Summer,United States" /></a></figure> Geotagged,Summer,United States Click/tap to enlarge Promoted

Ophiocordyceps sp. on a Beetle Larva

Pushing up through leaf litter below large oaks, ashes, and hickory trees in a dense mixed hardwood/coniferous forest in NW Georgia (Gordon County), US. June 22, 2018.

Ophiocordyceps is a genus of ascomycetes that parasitize arthropods.:) This genus is best known for its ability to turn insects into "zombies." I'm not sure the exact mechanism that this species takes, but I know several within this genus manipulate insect behaviors to ensure optimal spore dispersal.

UPDATE:
It has been brought to my attention that this is likely a different Ophiocordyceps species altogether! North American species have not been studied extensively, so my specimens need further study (possibly sequencing) to get any further! I am working on contacting some experts on the matter, and I will keep you all apprised.

Ophiocordyceps sp. on a Beetle Larva Pushing up through leaf litter below large oaks, ashes, and hickory trees in a dense mixed hardwood/coniferous forest in NW Georgia (Gordon County), US. June 22, 2018.<br /> <br /> Ophiocordyceps is a genus of ascomycetes that parasitize arthropods.:) This genus is best known for its ability to turn insects into "zombies." I'm not sure the exact mechanism that this species takes, but I know several within this genus manipulate insect behaviors to ensure optimal spore dispersal.<br /> <br /> UPDATE: <br /> It has been brought to my attention that this is likely a different Ophiocordyceps species altogether! North American species have not been studied extensively, so my specimens need further study (possibly sequencing) to get any further! I am working on contacting some experts on the matter, and I will keep you all apprised.<br /> <br /> https://www.jungledragon.com/image/62573/ophiocordyceps_sp._on_a_beetle_larva.html Geotagged,Summer,United States

    comments (5)

  1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
    Ferdy Christant
    Lion
    View Lion class
    Amazing how many of these you find! Posted 7 years ago
    1. View Flown Kimmerling's profile
      Flown Kimmerling
      Lion
      View Lion class
      I'm on a roll this year! :) I soon will be sending one of these lovelies to Christine for safekeeping. Posted 7 years ago
      1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
        Ferdy Christant
        Lion
        View Lion class
        Nice! For preservation? Research? Posted 7 years ago
        1. View Flown Kimmerling's profile
          Flown Kimmerling
          Lion
          View Lion class
          I promised her that if I had an extra I would send one to her! She can use it however she likes! I think she may use it in homeschool for her boys? Posted 7 years ago
      3. View Christine Young's profile
        Christine Young
        Lion
        View Lion class
        Woot! <3 Posted 7 years ago

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View Flown Kimmerling's profile

By Flown Kimmerling

All rights reserved
Uploaded Jul 7, 2018. Captured Jun 22, 2018 03:44 in 255 Campbell Rd SE, Calhoun, GA 30701, USA.
country flag of United States of America Explore United States of America 39,960 9,642 8
  • Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi
  • f/3.2
  • 1/80s
  • ISO400
  • 60mm
Captured in the summer. More summer photos.

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