Trooping Cordyceps

Description:

Scientific Name: Cordyceps militaris (L. ex St. Amans) LinkCommon Name: Trooping CordycepsCertainty: positive (notes)Location: Southern Appalachians; Smokies; CabinCoveDate: 20060715Perfect example, complete with pupal host. This is a fascinating fungus, considered to be a real find, as it grows exclusively on buried pupae of insects! However, a day or two after a good midsummer rain in the Smokies I can almost guarantee several sightings on a casual stroll through damp hardwood forest.