Hypercheeto
Polycephalomycetaceae sp.
Life > Fungi > Ascomycota > Pezizomycotina > Sordariomycetes > Hypocreomycetidae > Hypocreales
Description
This is a parasitic fungus that attacks parasitic fungi. Yes, you read that right. This is a parasite on top of another parasite. This is a phenomenon known has 'hyperparasitism'. The host of this hyperparasite is Ophiocordyceps variabilis. It is presumed by some mycologists that hyperparasites are quite common, but rarely observed.
This specimen is new to science confirmed by its DNA results and has yet to be formally described.
Observations
June 27th, 2023 Indian Cave State Park
#127
Emerging from large decaying hardwood log in the bottom of low moist woodland draw dominated by paw paw trees. Locally abundant on log and absent on nearby logs. Specimens appear to be parasitizing Ophiocordyceps variabilis and/or directly competing for its larval host.
Reference for the creation of new genera (Niveomyces and Torrubiellomyces) that parasitize Cordyceps and Ophiocordyceps - https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2022.49.05
Similar observation - https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/20957798
Sister observation for the Ophiocordyceps variabilis - http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/170023277