Study Abroad Blog
Trip Impressions from Student Foster Eddy
Ophiocordyceps Fungus- Ophiocordyceps is a genus of fungi capable of forming a parasitic relationship with insects and some arachnids (see Figure 1). When it releases spores into the air, an insect or arachnid may breathe in these spores, which begin to germinate inside its body. As the fungus develops, it will begin to influence its host’s nervous system and flood its brain with hallucinogens, while also consuming the host from the inside out and replacing its host’s tissues with its own. Eventually, the fungus will influence its host to travel to an open space above the ground, where it will die, the fungus will sprout fruiting bodies from out of its host, and release spores. Ophiocordyceps is found in tropical rainforests around the world and prefers moist environments.


Costa Rican Bark Scorpion: A species of scorpion common to Costa Rica and can be found throughout Central America (see Figure 2). Color varies between blackish-brown to light brown with black limbs and stinger. This species bears long front legs with pincers and a tail with a stinger. The sting is very painful to humans, but not deadly. When shone upon by an ultraviolet light in dark conditions, the bark scorpion exhibits bioluminescence. The scorpion’s cuticle contains a substance in the hyaline layer that absorbs and then emits UV rays. The reason for having this substance is unknown. Mating occurs during the rainy season, in which males and females engage in a complex mating ritual. Males will begin by grabbing ahold of the female’s pincers and leading her around in a dance, while “kissing” her mouth part to appease her. Once he has full control over her, he will deposit his sperm packet on the ground, and drag her body over it, fertilizing the female’s eggs. Once the female’s eggs have hatched, she will carry her young on her back for several days until they have matured enough to live on their own.

