Ophiocordyceps robertsii, known in New Zealand as vegetable caterpillar (Māori: āwhato or āwheto) is an entomopathogenic fungus belonging to the order Hypocreales (Ascomycota) in the family Ophiocordycipitaceae. It invades the caterpillars of leaf-litter dwelling moths and turns them into fungal mummies, sending up a fruiting spike above the forest floor to shed its spores. Caterpillars eat the spores as they feed on leaf litter, completing the fungal life cycle. Evidence of this fungus can be seen when small brown stems push through the forest floor: underneath are the dried remains of the host caterpillar.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Vegetable caterpillar being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
Classification
- Kingdom
- Fungi
- Phylum
- Ascomycota
- Class
- Sordariomycetes
- Order
- Hypocreales
- Family
- Ophiocordycipitaceae
- Genus
- Ophiocordyceps
- Species
- Ophiocordyceps robertsii
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