동충하초 책 159

2. The life history of entomopathogenic Cordyceps species

These fungi may occur on insects in any type of soil. The ascospores or conidia of these species invade living insects’ body through the cuticle or possibly through a spiracle during spring, summer or fall. Curiously, it is extremely rare for insect-pathogenic fungi to infect their hosts through the gut after the ingestion of spores. Spores form a germ tube that penetrates into the insect's b..