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Ancient Fungi Discovered in Amber Reveal Insect Control Secrets

7/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In a remarkable discovery, scientists unearthed two ancient parasitic fungi species, Paleoophiocordyceps gerontoformicae and Paleoophiocordyceps ironomyiae, trapped in 99-million-year-old amber. These fungi, which preyed on ancient ants and flies, reveal their crucial role in controlling insect populations during the mid-Cretaceous, emphasizing a deep-rooted connection between fungi and insects that predates humanity.

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Story summary

In a remarkable discovery, scientists unearthed two ancient parasitic fungi species, Paleoophiocordyceps gerontoformicae and Paleoophiocordyceps ironomyiae, trapped in 99-million-year-old amber. These fungi, which preyed on ancient ants and flies, reveal their crucial role in controlling insect populations during the mid-Cretaceous, emphasizing a deep-rooted connection between fungi and insects that predates humanity.