Endoparasitoid Collection

Scarlet Caterpillar Fungus (Cordyceps militaris) fruiting bodies, growing in woodland, Powys, Wales, November

Fungus (Clavicipitaceae sp. ) fruiting bodies, emerging from dead parasitized troglophile moth
Fungus (Clavicipitaceae sp.) fruiting bodies, emerging from dead parasitized troglophile moth, Grotta delle Vene (Veins Cave), Ormea, Cuneo Province, Piedmont, Italy, january

Sac Fungus (Cordyceps sp. ) fruiting bodies emerging from dead parasitized Spider (Ctenidae sp. ), Manu Road
Sac Fungus (Cordyceps sp.) fruiting bodies emerging from dead parasitized Spider (Ctenidae sp.), Manu Road, Departemento Cuzco, Andes, Peru

Sac Fungus (Cordyceps tuberculata) fruiting bodies emerged from dead parasitized moth, Manu Road, Departemento Cuzco, Andes, Peru

Parasitic wasp. Artwork of a chalcid wasp (Pteromalus sp.). This species of wasp is a parasite of the larva of other insects. This specimen hatched from a pupa found in a nettle gall

Parasitised aphid (Microlophium carnosum) on a nettle leaf, artwork. The dead aphid has been parasitised by the endoparasitoid larva of a braconid wasp

Parasitic fly (Phryxe sp.), artwork. This species of tachinid fly is often seen lingering around nettle foliage (Urtica sp)

Braconid wasp (Aphidius sp.), artwork. This adult has emerged from the parasitised body of an aphid (Microlophium carnosum) specific to the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)

Chrysalis infected with parasitic larvae. Chrysalis of the small tortoiseshell butterfly (Aglais urticae) with a thin thread extending from it

Chrysalise infected with parasitic larvae
Chrysalises infected with parasitic larvae. Chrysalises of the small tortoiseshell butterfly (Aglais urticae) with thin threads extending from them

Nettle leaf galls, artwork. Four views of galls at the base of a stinging nettle leaf (Urtica dioica). These abnormal outgrowths are caused by the parasitic larvae of the nettle gall midge

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"Nature's Intricate Web: Unveiling the World of Endoparasitoids" In the enchanting woodlands of Powys, Wales, a peculiar sight unfolds as Scarlet Caterpillar Fungus (Cordyceps militaris) fruiting bodies emerge from their unsuspecting hosts. These delicate yet eerie formations serve as a testament to the intricate relationship between endoparasitoids and their unfortunate victims. Venturing further into Manu Road, Departemento Cuzco in Peru, another captivating scene unravels. Sac Fungus (Cordyceps sp. ) fruiting bodies emerge from lifeless butterflies that fell prey to this parasitic force. The once vibrant creatures now become vessels for these enigmatic fungi, showcasing nature's relentless pursuit of survival. Not limited to butterflies alone, even troglophile moths fall victim to the insidious grasp of Clavicipitaceae sp. , witnessing fungus fruiting bodies emerging from their deceased forms. This macabre display serves as a reminder that within every ecosystem lies an intricate balance between predator and prey. Spider species such as Ctenidae sp. , too find themselves ensnared by Cordyceps sp. , with sac fungus fruiting bodies sprouting forth from their lifeless husks along Manu Road. These haunting displays highlight the diversity and adaptability of endoparasitoids across various host organisms. Journeying through Departemento Cuzco in the Andes region reveals yet another chapter in this enthralling tale. Cordyceps tuberculata emerges triumphantly from dead moth hosts - a testament to its ability to exploit different species within its parasitic reach. Endoparasitoids extend beyond fungal forces; they also manifest in other forms such as parasitic wasps and flies like Braconid wasp and Parasitic fly respectively. Their presence is felt through aphids being transformed into mere vessels for their parasitic counterparts.