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      Item Details  

Scientific Name : Cordyceps gunnii
Common Name : Dark vegetable caterpillar
Description : The visible part of this fungus is a dark black to dark green cylindrical club. Below the ground there is a long whitish stalk that may be more than 300 mm long at the end of which is the mummified remains of a caterpillar (about 60 mm long) which has been parasitised by the fungus. The second photograph shows an excavated specimen, including the mummified caterpillar.
Habitat : This fungus is always found underneath Acacia species as the caterpillar it parasitises feeds on Acacia roots. In the Park it has only been found under Acacia verniciflua, the Varnish wattle.
Distribution : Eastern states of Australia, from Queensland to South Australia, including Tasmania. Recorded from two locations in the Fosters Gully section of the Park, but may be more widespread as it is easily overlooked.
Family : Clavicipitaceae
 
Available Images

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Fruiting body, beneath iAcacia verniciflua/i on Muttonwood Creek Track.
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Excavated complete fungus including the mummified caterpillar, beneath iAcacia verniciflua/i on Muttonwood Creek Track.
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Dark Vegetable Caterpillar fruiting body by the Fosters Gully Track
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Dark Vegetable Caterpillar fruiting body by the Fosters Gully Track