Cretaceous entomopathogenic fungi illuminate the early evolution of insect-fungal associations

Two newly discovered fungal species, Paleoophiocordyceps gerontoformicae and Paleoophiocordyceps ironomyiae, have been identified in 99-million-year-old Burmese amber. These ancient entomopathogenic fungi, closely related to the modern genus Ophiocordyceps, were found infecting an ant pupa and a fly.

The research suggests that during the Cretaceous period, these fungi underwent a host jump from beetles to moths, ants, and other insects, likely adapting in response to the growing diversity of insect life at the time.

Findings like these remind us that fungi are not just decomposers. They are evolutionary pioneers and regulators of life on Earth. Their role in shaping ecosystems is as ancient as it is ongoing!