Scientists discovered two 99-million-year-old, cordyceps-infected insects preserved in amber from Myanmar. The insects, a fly and an ant pupa, were infected with previously unknown Ophiocordyceps species, Paleoophiocordyceps gerontoformicae and Paleoophiocordyceps ironomyiae. This finding, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, pushes back the known history of this genus of fungi, suggesting it originated during the early Cretaceous period and diversified rapidly alongside its insect hosts. The unusual infection sites in the fossils offer insights into the evolution of these parasitic fungi, known for their ability to manipulate insect behavior.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.