The Last of Us Fungus: Exploring the Names and Science Behind the Deadly Infection

The Last of Us, the popular video game and HBO series, has captivated audiences with its chilling portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal pandemic. The infection, caused by a mutated strain of *Cordyceps* fungus, transforms humans into monstrous, zombie-like creatures. While the fictional fungus is a terrifying exaggeration, the real *Cordyceps* species are fascinating organisms with a diverse range of adaptations and properties. This article will delve into the fascinating world of *Cordyceps*, exploring the scientific names and the intricate details behind these captivating fungi.
1. **Cordyceps militaris:** Latin for "military cordyceps," this species is known for its bright orange fruiting bodies that resemble a soldier's cap.
2. **Cordyceps ophioglossoides:** "Snake-tongue cordyceps," referring to its unique, elongated fruiting body resembling a snake's tongue.
3. **Cordyceps sinensis:** "Chinese cordyceps," highly prized in traditional Chinese medicine for its purported health benefits, particularly as an energy booster.
4. **Cordyceps cicadae:** "Cicada cordyceps," this species specifically targets cicadas, transforming their bodies into fruiting bodies.
5. **Cordyceps unilateralis:** "One-sided cordyceps," known for its remarkable ability to control the behavior of ants, forcing them to climb high and die in a specific position that benefits the fungus.
6. **Cordyceps robertsii:** Named after Australian mycologist, Dr. John Roberts, who discovered this species.
7. **Cordyceps tuberculata:** "Tuberculated cordyceps," characterized by its bumpy, tuber-like fruiting body.
8. **Cordyceps sphecocephala:** "Wasp-head cordyceps," as it infects and manipulates the behavior of wasps, controlling them to die in specific locations.
9. **Cordyceps capitata:** "Headed cordyceps," possessing a distinctive, cap-like structure on its fruiting body.
10. **Cordyceps takaomontana:** Named after Mount Takao, a mountain in Japan where the species was first discovered.
11. **Cordyceps entomorrhiza:** "Insect-root cordyceps," a broad group of *Cordyceps* species that infect various insects.
12. **Cordyceps hawkesii:** Named after the entomologist, Dr. David Hawkes, who described the species.
13. **Cordyceps canadensis:** "Canadian cordyceps," referring to its discovery in Canada.
14. **Cordyceps fumosorosea:** "Smokey-pink cordyceps," descriptive of its pale pink, smoky-colored fruiting body.
15. **Cordyceps pruinosa:** "Frosted cordyceps," named for its powdery, frosted appearance.
16. **Cordyceps ligniperda:** "Wood-destroying cordyceps," as it can infect and decompose wood.
17. **Cordyceps gongylodes:** "Round-knot cordyceps," known for its rounded, bulbous fruiting bodies.
18. **Cordyceps scytophylla:** "Skin-leaf cordyceps," referring to the thin, membranous nature of its fruiting body.
19. **Cordyceps scutulata:** "Shield-shaped cordyceps," characterized by its shield-like fruiting body.
20. **Cordyceps arachnophila:** "Spider-loving cordyceps," a species that specifically targets spiders, controlling their behavior for its own benefit.
21. **Cordyceps javanica:** "Javanese cordyceps," discovered in the island of Java.
22. **Cordyceps pulcherrima:** "Most beautiful cordyceps," likely named for its vibrant, colorful fruiting bodies.
23. **Cordyceps dipterigena:** "Two-winged cordyceps," referring to its ability to infect insects with two wings, such as flies.
24. **Cordyceps tenuipes:** "Thin-stalk cordyceps," known for its slender, thin stalks.
25. **Cordyceps ramosa:** "Branched cordyceps," characterized by its branching fruiting body structure.
26. **Cordyceps claviceps:** "Key-headed cordyceps," referring to its unique fruiting body shape resembling a key.
27. **Cordyceps longissima:** "Longest cordyceps," as its fruiting body can grow to be quite long.
28. **Cordyceps aphodii:** Named after the *Aphodius* beetle, a type of insect that it infects.
29. **Cordyceps forquignonii:** Named after the French botanist, Pierre Forquignon.
30. **Cordyceps bassiana:** "Bassian cordyceps," known for its use in biological pest control.
31. **Cordyceps taylori:** Named after the entomologist, Dr. Leonard Taylor, who discovered the species.
32. **Cordyceps militaris var. flava:** "Yellow military cordyceps," a variant of *C. militaris* with a brighter yellow fruiting body.
33. **Cordyceps ophioglossoides var. gigantea:** "Giant snake-tongue cordyceps," a larger variant of *C. ophioglossoides*.
34. **Cordyceps sinensis var. tibetensis:** "Tibetan Chinese cordyceps," a variety of *C. sinensis* found in Tibet.
35. **Cordyceps cicadae var. flavida:** "Yellow cicada cordyceps," a variant of *C. cicadae* with a yellowish fruiting body.
36. **Cordyceps unilateralis var. formosana:** "Formosan one-sided cordyceps," a variant of *C. unilateralis* found in Taiwan.
37. **Cordyceps robertsii var. lutea:** "Yellow Roberts cordyceps," a variant of *C. robertsii* with a yellow fruiting body.
38. **Cordyceps tuberculata var. alba:** "White tuberculated cordyceps," a variant of *C. tuberculata* with a white fruiting body.
39. **Cordyceps sphecocephala var. rubra:** "Red wasp-head cordyceps," a variant of *C. sphecocephala* with a reddish fruiting body.
40. **Cordyceps capitata var. nigra:** "Black headed cordyceps," a variant of *C. capitata* with a dark, black fruiting body.