Arthrophaga Myriapodina

arthrophaga myriapodina

Arthrophaga myriapodina is a remarkable and somewhat macabre species of entomopathogenic fungus. Belonging to a specialized group of fungi that parasitize arthropods, this species is uniquely adapted to target millipedes. Once its spores penetrate the host's exoskeleton, the fungus begins a quiet invasion, growing inside the living millipede and consuming its non-vital tissues. As it prepares to reproduce, the fungus dramatically alters the host's behavior, hijacking its nervous system to induce "summit disease." This forces the dying millipede to climb to an elevated, exposed position before its demise. This fascinating, manipulative ecological interaction makes Arthrophaga myriapodina a striking example of a parasitic life cycle, transforming its host into a spore-dispersing vehicle to ensure the next generation's survival.

Habitat: Found in moist, temperate deciduous forests, particularly in areas with rich leaf litter and decaying wood where host millipedes are abundant.

Appearance

This fungus is rarely encountered on its own and is almost exclusively identified by its presence on a deceased host millipede. When actively reproducing, Arthrophaga myriapodina manifests as fuzzy, whitish to pale-yellow tufts of fungal growth (conidiophores) that vividly erupt from the intersegmental membranes—the softer bands between the millipede's hardened, armor-like plates. The infected host is typically found clinging unnaturally tight to a twig, leaf, or rock at a high elevation, rigidified by the extensive fungal network within its body.

KingdomFungiPhylumEntomophthoromycotaClassEntomophthoromycetesOrderEntomophthoralesFamilyEntomophthoraceaeGenusArthrophaga

Arthrophaga Myriapodina

Interesting facts

Infected millipedes often lock their legs in a 'death grip' around the plant they climbed before dying, keeping their bodies securely anchored during the spore-dispersal process.

It belongs to a specialized group of fungi that have independently evolved 'zombie-making' traits, similar to the famous Ophiocordyceps fungi that infect ants.

The genus name Arthrophaga translates directly to 'joint eater,' perfectly describing how the fungus emerges from the joints of the millipede's exoskeleton.

The spores are actively shot from the fruiting bodies, acting like microscopic fungal cannons to ensure they land on new hosts foraging below.

Special abilities

The fungus alters the neural chemistry of the infected millipede, compelling it to climb to a high, exposed location before dying.

By positioning the dead host high above the ground, the fungus maximizes the dispersal area when forcefully ejecting its spores onto the leaf litter below.

The fungus specifically emerges through the softer membranes between the host's hardened exoskeleton plates to form its spore-producing structures.