The Mysterious Cordyceps: Captivating the Minds of Writers and Filmmakers

In the expansive kingdom of fungi, Cordyceps is one unique species that continues to capture imaginations worldwide. Its unusual life cycle, fascinating characteristics, and ecological role have proved to be a rich source of inspiration for creatives across various mediums. In this blog post, we will explore some of these ideas as well as the likelihood of any of them happening in real life.

From Reality to Fantasy - The Intriguing Qualities of Cordyceps

What makes Cordyceps so fascinating? Their unique life cycle, coupled with their relationship with their host, truly sets them apart. Cordyceps are known as parasitic fungi, meaning they take over the body of their host, often an insect, to grow and reproduce. This process has not only intrigued scientists but has also piqued the interest of creatives who see in it a metaphor for larger themes of control, survival, and the delicate balance of nature.

When a Cordyceps fungus infects an insect, it initiates a fascinating yet horrific sequence of events. The spores of the fungus first penetrate the insect's exoskeleton and gradually take over its body from the inside. As the fungus grows, it manipulates the host's behaviour, compelling it to climb to a high point. This behaviour, known as "summiting," ensures that when the fungus eventually kills the host and releases its spores to continue the cycle. The insect, under the control of the Cordyceps, essentially becomes a zombie, driven to aid in the fungus's reproduction at the cost of its own life.  

Cordyceps in Literature

Authors of various genres have turned to Cordyceps for compelling plotlines and captivating imagery. The sci-fi genre, known for its speculative narratives that explore possibilities beyond our current understanding, has particularly embraced this unique fungus. For instance, M.R. Carey’s post-apocalyptic novel "The Girl with All the Gifts" presents a world where Cordyceps has evolved to infect humans, thus posing a chilling 'what if' scenario that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Cordyceps on the Big Screen

The world of filmmaking, with its capacity for stunning visuals, has not been left behind in exploring the fascinating world of Cordyceps. The famous video game "The Last of Us," which was recently announced to be adapted into a television series, uses a Cordyceps infection as the central part of the story. The game showcases a future where Cordyceps has jumped species and now affects humans, creating a dystopian world filled with challenges and hard choices.

The Real Question – Can Cordyceps Really Pose a Threat to Humans in the Future?

While it makes for fascinating science fiction, the likelihood of Cordyceps evolving to use humans as hosts in the future is extremely low based on our current scientific understanding. The biological mechanisms and environmental conditions that allow Cordyceps to infect their hosts are quite specific. For example, the spores of Cordyceps fungi must first come into contact with the prospective insect host, often penetrating the exoskeleton and then manipulating the host's behaviour and physiology for its own reproductive purposes.

Human biology and immune systems are vastly different from those of insects, and our skin is not a suitable environment for these types of fungi to grow. Additionally, our immune systems are quite effective at fighting off foreign invaders, including most types of fungi.

However, science is always evolving, and new discoveries are made regularly. As with many aspects of biology, nothing can be definitively ruled out, but such a scenario is very far from our current reality.

It's worth noting that some types of Cordyceps fungi are used in traditional medicine and as dietary supplements, but these are consumed orally and are not infectious to humans. Instead, they are believed to offer various benefits, although more research is needed to confirm these effects. So, for now, the potential of humans becoming Cordyceps-infested zombies is highly unlikely and only remains an entertaining thought to be explored by scientists, writers, and filmmakers.

A Soothing Thought 

If parasitic Cordyceps has put you off to never using it again, worry not as not all Cordyceps types use insects to reproduce. For those following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, the Militaris type is the preferred choice as it can be easily cultivated without an insect host, unlike Sinensis which involves the mummification of an insect.