Cordyceps Fungus Controls Insects

The Cordyceps fungus is known for its ability to control the minds of insects. Once it infects its host, it compels the insect to seek higher ground before killing it and releasing spores to infect others. Every autumn, a related fungus epidemic kills up to 75% of houseflies. The fungus manipulates the flies to land, climb to a high point, stand on their front legs, and spread their wings. The fungus then erupts from the fly's abdomen to release spores. There are over 7,000 species of Cordyceps, each specializing in a different type of insect host.

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