14 May 2025, Nagaokakyo
Returned to Nagaokakyo City after a long time. As expected, several specimens of Scarlet Caterpillarclub (Cordyceps militaris) were present, though the number was not large. I found about six or seven individuals. In addition, I found one specimen of Metacordyceps kusanagiensis and a darkling beetle infected by Cordyceps annullata.
Metacordyceps kusanagiensis is not particularly rare in this area. Over the years, I have discovered several hundred specimens. However, this was the first time I encountered one with such an unusually long stipe. Typically, they are found on bare slopes, but this particular specimen was growing on level ground covered with fallen leaves. This reminded me once again that the form of entomopathogenic fungi is greatly influenced by environmental conditions.
22 April 2025, Kobe
Since anamorphs have recently become a topic of discussion in the entomopathogenic fungi community, here is the anamorph of the Scarlet Caterpillarclub (Cordyceps militaris). When a cleaned specimen is incubated further in a dark chamber, the anamorph emerges. Conidia are produced in mucilaginous masses at the tips of conidiogenous cells resembling those of Verticillium.
3 April 2025, Kobe
Returned to the back side of Mount Rokko after a long time. First, I checked on two specimens of the moth-parasitizing fungus (Ophiocordyceps sphecocephala) that I had found last autumn. They hadn’t changed much, though one showed a slight swelling in the fertile part. Nearby, I discovered a new specimen emerging from a small moth.
Other finds included the Formosan ant fungus (Ophiocordyceps formicarum) and an Aschersonia species infecting the camellia whitefly.
3 January 2025, Kobe
As the mushroom enthusiasts seem to be slowly starting up for the season, I went on my first fungal pilgrimage of the year. I visited the site of the parasitic fungus on giant flies. On both sides of the valley, the flies were attached to the branches of Aucuba japonica. Even at this time of year, some specimens were already fruiting.
I found a few immature ones in the early stages of infection. One of them was astonishing, it turns out the first time I found it was on December 6, 2023, meaning it has been there for over a year.
