Cordyceps (various species)

Cordyceps are a genus of parasitic fungi that infect insects and arthropods, eventually taking over their bodies. Once they invade a host, they grow inside, consuming its tissues, and then produce a stalk that emerges from the corpse to release spores, continuing the cycle. Some species, like Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris, are valued for their purported health benefits, including boosting energy, immune function, and stamina. They are used in traditional medicine and are cultivated for supplements, though research continues to explore their full range of effects.