Cordyceps

Question 1

Ophiocordyceps unilateralus

Answer 1

target: campotini ants, including carpenter
Spore attaches to body and punctures through exoskeleton. They brain remains in tact and manipulates the muscular system like a puppeteer. It forces the climb a small tree or plant - underside of leaf, N side of plant, 25cm from forest floor. Manipulates ant to bite into main vein, securing ant. Then it kills the ant and hyphae spread inside it. It grows fruiting bodies and shoots spores. Colony members will pick up infected ants and take them far away from the colony.

Question 2

Ophiocordyceps sinesis

Answer 2

“The Caterpillar Fungus”

Question 3

Ophiocordyceps robertsii

Answer 3

“The vegetable Caterpillar” Burned in New zealand and ash used as tattoo ink.

Question 4

Ophiocordyceps nutans

Answer 4

Stink bugs as a host. Biological control agent against them.

Question 5

Ophiocordyceps sphecocephala

Answer 5

Targets wasps. Being researched for anti asthmatic and anti cancer properties.

Question 6

Benefits of Cordyceps

Answer 6

1. Boost Exercise Performance (increases production of adenosine triphosphate ATP) which delivers energy to muscles.
   Increase VO2 by 11%
2. Tests extended the lives of fruit flies and mice.
3. In test tubes, cordyceps have been shown to inhibit the growth of lung, colon, skin, and liver cancer cells.
4. Cordyceps are approved in China for the treatment of arrhythmia.