Ophiocordyceps robertsii

Ophiocordyceps robertsii, known in New Zealand as vegetable caterpillar (Māori: āwhato or āwheto[1]) is an entomopathogenic fungus belonging to the order Hypocreales (Ascomycota) in the family Ophiocordycipitaceae.[2] It invades the caterpillars of leaf-litter dwelling moths and turns them into fungal mummies, sending up a fruiting spike above the forest floor to shed its spores. Caterpillars eat the spores whilst feeding on leaf litter to complete the fungal life cycle. Evidence of this fungus can be seen when small brown stems push through the forest floor: underneath will be the dried remains of the host caterpillar.[3] This species was first thought by Europeans to be a worm or caterpillar that burrowed from the top of a tree to the roots, where it exited and then grew a shoot of the plant out of its head.[4] It was the first fungus named in New Zealand.[5]

Ophiocordyceps robertsii
Ophiocordyceps robertsii in the collection of the Whanganui Regional Museum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Fungi
Division:
Ascomycota
Class:
Sordariomycetes
Order:
Hypocreales
Family:
Ophiocordycipitaceae
Genus:
Ophiocordyceps
Species:
O. robertsii
Binomial name
Ophiocordyceps robertsii
(Hook.) G.H. Sung, J.M. Sung, Hywel-Jones & Spatafora (2007)
Synonyms

Cordyceps robertsii (Hook.) Berk. 1855
Sphaeria robertsii Hook. 1837
Spaeronaema huegeli Corda 1840

Uses

The parasitised caterpillar has been used by Māori as a food or ink for traditional tā moko tattoos. The charred caterpillars were mixed with fat to make a rich dark ink. Scientists suggest that the fungus produces antiseptic chemicals that can prevent infection. In the early 20th century, mummified caterpillars were sold to tourists as a curio.[3]

References
  1. Crowe, Andrew (2002). Which New Zealand Insect?. Auckland: Penguin. p. 19. ISBN 0141006366.
  2. Sung GH, Hywel-Jones NL, Sung JM, Luangsa-Ard JJ, Shrestha B, Spatafora JW (2007). "Phylogenetic classification of Cordyceps and the clavicipitaceous fungi". Studies in Mycology. 57: 5–59. doi:10.3114/sim.2007.57.01. PMC 2104736. PMID 18490993.
  3. "Vegetable Caterpillar". Science Learning Hub. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  4. Williams, John B. (1844). "The New Zealand Journal, 1842–1844 of John B. Williams Of Salem, Massachusetts". The New Zealand Journal 1842–44: 108.
  5. Relph, David. "Caterpillar Killer". New Zealand Geographic. Kowhai Media. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
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