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Sunday, 27 October 2019

Parasitic fungi?

We found this seemingly growing out of a desiccated moth caterpillar in a polytunnel. It came through the leaf of the plant. Any ideas?

Many thanks

Isabel



2 comments:

  1. Well spotted Isabel --- also the one Emily has named. There are several things on insects of various kinds --- I think this is the remains of a hairy caterpillar. Probably one of the Cordyceps --- the most commonly found is Cordyceps militaris on buried moth pupae and is much larger (Scarlet caterpillar club).

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  2. Thanks Philip. Yes, it was a small hairy caterpillar. As ever after Bruce's fungus day at the Gardens we are always inspired to look harder for fungi!

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