Mike Roberts

Fly Death Fungus - Entomophthora muscae This is a pathogenic fungus that infects various fly species. Once it takes hold of host it takes roughly a week to kill. Once the fly is in near critical condition the fungus 'controls' it to climb up to the highest optimum point, in this case Thistles, to maximise spore dispersal. Once the fly dies the fungus develops bands of conidiophores from where the spores develop eventually ejecting in an attempt to land on other hosts and repeat the cycle. The fungus can also mimic pheromones, inviting more flies to join the party. May 2024 #mushrooms #flydeathfungus #entomophthoramuscae #mushroomsofinstagram #nature #naturephotography #mushroomphotography #fungus #fungi #edible #wildmushrooms #photography #forest #funghi #mushroomhunting #mycology #woodland #mushroomidentification #autumn #northwales #wales #paddestoelen #spring