Ant, 10mm | Fungal stalk, 5mm | January 17, 2011 | Cahuita National Park, Limon Province, Costa Rica
This unfortunate ant fell victim to a fungus, Cordyceps perhaps.
This short sequence from an episode of the Planet Earth series gives a nice introduction to the phenomenon.
Wow, nice find – and I am again reminded of how amazing BBC and David Attenborough are!
I have to say I much prefer David Attenborough’s narration over Sigourney Weaver’s.
I’ve learned recently that the ant-attacking Cordyceps are now in the genus Ophiocordyceps, for what it’s worth.
That’s a great photo.
Good to know about the genus split, and thanks for the compliment.
Ophiocordyceps lloydii var. lloydii
Thanks for the identification, Vaclav.