The cordyceps fungus is known for its unusual and gruesome method of reproducing. This fungus is an endoparasitoid, which means it enters its host and eventually kills it. In the case of flies, the cordyceps fungus infects the insect and takes control of its nervous system, directing it to climb to a high, exposed location.
The fungus then sprouts out of the fly’s body, releasing spores that can infect other insects. The infected fly remains alive as long as possible, acting as a vessel for the fungus to spread and reproduce.
