Cordyceps Zombie Fly Enamel Pin

An Ophiocordyceps dipterigena spore lies in wait on the forest floor until touched by an unlucky fly. After penetrating the host’s exoskeleton and evading its immune system, Cordyceps consumes the creature from the inside as it grows.

Eventually, the hapless host is barely able to function - its innards have been replaced by the Cordyceps fungus. With its nervous system hijacked, it is forced to perform one last task on the parasite’s behalf. The fly seeks out a final resting place that will become the optimal spot for Cordyceps to reproduce - the underside of a leaf - and dies. Cordyceps bursts forth and stitches the fly to the leaf, then explodes out from the corpse with fruiting bodies to disperse its spores back to the forest floor.

This stunning lapel pin is like no other! Featuring a glittering blue bottle fly with textured wings and UV printed details, the mushrooms seem to grow toward you. Measuring 1.5 inches wide, this double posted soft enamel pin comes on a Bug Box backer card with species identification.