Spider Pathogen - Gibellula sp.

This fungus infects spiders when fungal spores land on the unfortunate victim. The spores germinate and penetrate through the exoskeleton, after which it grows inside the spider's body. It continues growing until it has digested the entire spider. After consuming the entire contents of the spider's insides, the fungus sporulates by erupting from the cadaver and forms synnemata (the projections). And, the cycle begins again with the next unlucky spider.

Habitat: Stuck to a milkweed leaf; small meadow beside a mixed forest