The caterpillar fungus, formerly classified as Cordyceps sinensis, is an insect-pathogenic fungus in the family Ophiocordycipitaceae, found primarily in high-altitude regions of the Tibetan Plateau. It parasitizes the larvae of ghost moths and produces a fruiting body valued in traditional Chinese and Nepalese medicine as an aphrodisiac. Naturally harvested fruiting bodies often contain high levels of arsenic and other heavy metals, making them potentially toxic, and their sale has been strictly regulated by Chinas State Administration for Market Regulation since 2016.
Facts
Classification
System (Realm) Relationship to PeopleUsed in Traditional Medicine 3 Living or Extinct Scientific NameOphiocordyceps sinensis 1 Conservation Status Connections
Child Taxon Of
Source Wikidata: Cordyceps
In the Other Atlases
- Also in Geography Atlas: Bhutan, found in there.
- Also in Geography Atlas: India, found in there.
Sources
1. Wikidata: Cordyceps
WikidataStatements section, conservation status (P141)
IUCN Red List conservation status (Wikidata property P141): vulnerable.
- Wikidata Q398300 (P225 taxon name)
- Wikidata P141 (IUCN conservation status) claim, entity QID Q398300
- Child Taxon Of: Sordariomycetes, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chain
View the Source 2. GBIF Species API
3. Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Wikipedia
article text (relationship to people), EntityId 340831Quote, article text (relationship to people), EntityId 340831
It parasitizes larvae of ghost moths and produces a fruiting body which is valued in traditional Chinese medicine and Nepalese medicine as an aphrodisiac.
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