Wasp Cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sphecocephala) Liquid Culture Syringe

Ophiocordyceps sphecocephala, commonly known as the Wasp Cordyceps, is an entomopathogenic fungus that parasitizes wasps of the genera Polistes, Tachytes, and Vespa, producing slender cream to yellow stromata up to 10cm in length that emerge directly from the host body. Available as a 10cc liquid culture syringe, our lab-cultivated mycelium delivers a pure, contaminant-free inoculum suited for research and specialty cultivation.

Lifecycle and Ecology

Ophiocordyceps sphecocephala has been documented across the Americas and China. Like other members of the Ophiocordyceps genus, it manipulates host behavior prior to sporulation — compelling the infected insect to ascend to an elevated position before the fungus fruits from the body. Research suggests the species produces bioactive compounds with potential anti-asthmatic and anti-cancer properties, and studies indicate that mycelial yield is significantly enhanced in substrates containing organic nitrogen.

Cultivation

This liquid culture syringe is prepared for direct inoculation into sterilized grain substrates or malt extract agar. Store the syringe refrigerated in cool, dark conditions and shake gently before use to redistribute mycelium through the solution. This species is cultivated for research and study purposes and is not intended for culinary consumption.

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Fungi
Phylum: Ascomycota
Class: Sordariomycetes
Order: Hypocreales
Family: Ophiocordycipitaceae
Genus: Ophiocordyceps
Species: Ophiocordyceps sphecocephala