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Hymenostilbe sphingum
This is a fungus that has attacked and parasitized a Sphinx moth (Sphingidae). The moth died and the fungus grew to form fruiting bodies.
Mixed hardwood, mesophytic forest.
This specimen was identified by Walt Sturgeon, a mycologist from Pennsylvania. Specimens of this fungus are rarely observed and little is known about the fungus itself and its distribution.
2 Comments
That is so wild! Great series and what a lucky find!!
Very cool!