Cheeto Cordyceps
Ophiocordyceps variabilis
Life > Fungi > Ascomycota > Pezizomycotina > Sordariomycetes > Hypocreomycetidae > Hypocreales > Ophiocordycipitaceae > Ophiocordyceps
Observations
June 27th, 2023

#126
Emerging from large decaying hardwood log in the bottom of low moist woodland draw dominated by paw paw trees. Substrate appears to be insect larvae. Diptera fly larvae?
Abundant on other hardwood logs of similar degradation nearby. Many specimens on the log with secondary fungal infection (hyperparasitism?)
Taste: Stroma was not distinctive while the host was increasingly bitter.
June 28th, 2023 Indian Cave State Park

#136
Emerging from a large rotting (white rot) basswood log in large, moist woodland draw.
Host: Dipteran fly larvae.
Collected again since there were no secondary parasites.