Original pencil and walnut ink drawing for the Wobbler's Encyclopedia of Parasitic Fungi
Cordyceps is a genus of fungus that propagates through parasitic behavior. The airborne spores drift down and attach to small insects such as ants, caterpillars, and crickets.
The spore uses an enzyme to melt into the host insect. Then it sends out roots that attach to the central nervous system of the insect, overriding the insects mental and physical functions. Thus impaired, the insect moves in a zombie like fashion, climbing up a plant stem as high as possible where it firmly attaches itself and waits.
The cordyceps spore, which has been feeding off the body fluids of the host insect soon ruptures through the insect's skin and grows into long horn shaped stroma. These stroma develop thousands of fresh spores that are taken up by the wind and silently float back down to the earth, landing on new unsuspecting insects.
The exhibit The Nature of Cordyceps is being held as part of a group show at The Gallery at North Haven Gardens. The exhibit runs from March 18th through April 22nd 2016
North Haven Gardens
7700 Northhaven Rd.
Dallas TX. 75230
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