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2026-04-04 Z5-3850E Achim-Lammerts Ophiocordyceps-gracilis

Taken on 4 April 2026, 11:01:26

Classification: Photograph
Museum: Wikimedia Commons
Rights: CC BY-SA 4.0, as the museum states it.
Who can see it: Kids profiles and older: it shows nature, places, still life or a children's book. How works are placed

About this work

Macro photograph of the entomopathogenic "Zombie fungus" (Paraisaria gracilis, syn. Ophiocordyceps gracilis) growing from mossy soil in the alluvial forest of the "Hördter Rheinaue" nature reserve, located between Kuhardt and Hördt, South Palatinate. This specimen features a fertile stroma head (spore carrier) with a diameter of approximately 5 mm. The parasitic species infects lepidopteran caterpillars or beetle larvae underground, mummifying the host's body before the long-stalked fruiting body emerges above the surface to release spores. According to the German Red List Centre, the species is classified as Least concern, but its current population status is noted as very rare.

This is a picture of the protected area listed at WDPA under the ID 555521710

Hördter Rheinaue – protected area in the European Union defined by the habitats directive in Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany