This is a parasitic fungus that attacks parasitic fungi. You heard that right. A parasite on top of another parasite. This is a phenomenon known has 'hyperparasitism'. The host of this hyperparasite is Ophiocordyceps variabilis.

This specimen is new to science confirmed by its DNA results and has yet to be formally described.

June 28th, 2023 Field Characteristics:

Emerging from a large decaying hardwood log in the bottom of low moist woodland draw dominated by Pawpaw trees. Locally abundant on an individual log and absent on nearby logs. Specimens appear to be parasitizing Ophiocordyceps variabilis and/or directly competing for its larval host.