Scarlet Caterpillar Club

Cordyceps militaris

Also known as: Orange Caterpillar Fungus

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Phylum Ascomycota

Family Cordycipitaceae

Conservation Least Concern - can be cultivated; wild populations stable

Complete Taxonomy

Kingdom: Fungi

Phylum: Ascomycota

Class: Sordariomycetes

Order: Hypocreales

Family: Cordycipitaceae

Genus: Cordyceps

Species: C. militaris

Description

Cordyceps militaris is an entomopathogenic fungus that parasitizes moth and butterfly pupae and larvae. It produces striking orange to red club-shaped fruiting bodies emerging from infected insect hosts. Long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and increasingly popular in modern supplements, it's more readily cultivated than its famous relative C. sinensis (Chinese caterpillar fungus), making it more accessible and affordable.

Physical Characteristics

Cap Shape: Club-shaped to elongated fruiting body

Cap Color: Bright orange to red-orange

Size: 1-6 cm tall, 2-5 mm thick

Gill Attachment: No gills; perithecia embedded in club surface

Spore Print: White (ascospores)

Stipe: Fruiting body emerges from mummified insect host

Habitat: Parasitic on buried moth and butterfly pupae and larvae

Fruiting Season: Late summer to fall

Distribution

Asia, Europe, North America; temperate and subtropical regions

Habitat

Parasitizes lepidopteran (moth and butterfly) pupae and larvae in soil. Fruiting body emerges from mummified host.

Ecological Role

Specialized insect parasite, regulating populations of lepidopteran larvae and pupae. Part of natural pest control in ecosystems.

Medicinal & Nutritional Properties

Contains cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) with potential anti-cancer properties
Adaptogenic properties; may improve energy and reduce fatigue
Immune system modulation
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds
May improve athletic performance and oxygen utilization
Traditionally used for respiratory health
Potential anti-aging effects
Polysaccharides support immune function

Cultural Significance

Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Increasingly popular in modern supplements as more affordable alternative to C. sinensis. Featured in discussions of zombie fungi due to parasitic lifestyle.

Fascinating Facts

Inspired "zombie fungus" in popular culture (though different species)
Can be cultivated commercially, unlike wild C. sinensis
Contains cordycepin, not found in most organisms
Mummified insect becomes nearly entirely fungal tissue
Traditional use dates back over 1,500 years
Glows orange under UV light
Cultivated versions may not contain cordycepin if grown without insects
Used by athletes to potentially improve performance