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Dr. Dan KillamonMastodon4d ago
Ophiocordyceps is iconic for its ability to infect ants and change their nervous system to force them to climb high, where the fungus can fruit and spread spores to infect more ants.
Pleurocordyceps is a hyperparasitic fungus that eats Ophiocordyceps. It isn't really a friend to the ants, since it has no interest in fully wiping out its host. But it makes for an interesting dynamic, and I continue to think it would make an interesting Alien movie or Last of Us sequel to introduce a hyperparasite to interact with the titular monsters!
A new species from Borneo, Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata, named for its fruiting bodies looking like little horns, was just described for the first time! https://phys.org/news/2026-06-scientists-hyperparasite-malaysia-borneo-jungle.html
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Analysis Summary
Scientists in Borneo discovered a new hyperparasitic fungus called Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata that preys on the famous 'zombie fungus' Ophiocordyceps — creating a parasite-of-a-parasite dynamic. The new species, named for its horn-like fruiting bodies, was just formally described and has been independently reported by major outlets. The post combines verified scientific facts with the poster's creative speculation about how this ecological dynamic could inspire science fiction storytelling — a reasonable extrapolation given the genuinely unusual biology involved.
Claims Analysis (3)
“Ophiocordyceps infects ants and changes their nervous system to force them to climb high, where the fungus can fruit and spread spores to infect more ants.”
Well-established scientific consensus on ophiocordyceps behavior. This is foundational mycology and entomology knowledge confirmed by peer-reviewed research and major science institutions.
“Pleurocordyceps is a hyperparasitic fungus that eats Ophiocordyceps.”
Multiple outlets confirm Pleurocordyceps preys on Ophiocordyceps. This is the defining characteristic of the newly described species.
“A new species from Borneo, Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata, named for its fruiting bodies looking like little horns, was just described for the first time.”
Multiple independent outlets (CBS, Straits Times, NST, Times of India, Economic Times) all confirm discovery of new Pleurocordyceps species in Borneo with horn-like fruiting bodies, described in June 2026.
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