Akanthomyces aculeatus
Ascomycota > Pezizomycotina > Sordariomycetes > Hypocreomycetidae > Hypocreales > Cordycipitaceae > Akanthomyces
This fungi parasitizes adult moths and is mostly found east of the Rockies. The mycelium creates a thick mat that encompasses the moth and sometimes adheres to adjacent surfaces. It's most commonly found in the summer through fall in moist habitats.
Spear-shaped spikes protrude outward and produce spores to carry it into its next fungal phase.
References
Akanthomyces aculeatus Lebert, Zeitschrift für wissenschaftliche Zoologie 9 449 (1858) [MB#431365]
Kuo, M. (2022, August). Akanthomyces aculeatus. Retrieved from the MushroomExpert.Com Web site: http://www.mushroomexpert.com/akanthomyces_aculeatus.html