Growth of fungus, Paecilomyces cicadae

2013 New Scientist Eureka Prize for Science Photography Highly Commended

Growth of fungus, Paecilomyces cicadae, Elma KearneyThis ascomycetous fungus is an endoparasite of underground cicada nymphs. Infection begins when ingested spores germinate and invade the nymph, inhibiting protein synthesis (by cordycepin) and replacing internal organs with mycelia. At maturity, the fungal fruiting bodies (stromata) grow from the killed host and produce white spores.

Photographer: Elma Kearney

Rights: © Elma Kearney