Cordyceps expands its life cycle into mosses, not just insects
DNA analysis shows the same Cordyceps fungus infecting both ants and surrounding mosses, suggesting a moss-based life stage that could help the pathogen endure host scarcity and explain why infected ants bite mosses at death; the study from the Brazilian Amazon found the fungus inside mosses as well, indicating a closer plant–fungus link in its lifecycle and a broader ecological role than previously understood.