Ophiocordyceps unilateralis
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
|---|---|
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Sordariomycetes |
| Order: | Hypocreales |
| Family: | Ophiocordycipitaceae |
| Genus: | Ophiocordyceps |
| Species: | O. unilateralis |
Ophiocordyceps unilateralis
Commonly known as the zombie-ant fungus, Ophiocordyceps unilateralis is an insect-pathogenic fungus that was first discovered in 1859 by British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace. O. unilateralis typically infects a specific ant host species called Camponotus leonardi but has been known to parasitize ants of other closesly related species to a lesser degree of effectiveness in terms of reproductive success and manipulation. Once infected, hosts are controlled to leave their nests in the tree canopy for environmental conditions more suitable for fungal growth. Upon reaching an area with ideal humidity and temperature conditions, the host uses their mandibles to lock on to a major vein on the underside of a leaf where they remain to die. This process may take up to 10 days ultimately ending with the fungal reproductive stage where a fruiting body is created to produce more spores to infect future hosts.
Description
Habitat and Range
Diet
Behavior & Reproduction
[[File:Eft_life_cycle.jpg|350px|thumb|left|]