Click image to zoom

Isaria Fungi Attack On Moringa Hairy Caterpillar - Insect Pests

A Eupterote mollifera caterpillar, commonly known as the Moringa hairy caterpillar, is seen covered in a white fungal growth after being infected by Isaria fungi on a Moringa tree (Moringa oleifera) trunk in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on October 29, 2024. Isaria, a genus of fungi primarily in the family Clavicipitaceae (or Cordycipitaceae, according to some classifications), infects insects by penetrating their cuticle with enzymes. Once inside, the fungus proliferates in the insect's haemocoel, spreading mycelia through the haemolymph and tissues. This fungal invasion eventually drains the insect's nutrients, destroys its tissues, and releases toxins, leading to the insect's death. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#11740927
Date Taken	29 October 2024
Location	N/A
Photographer	Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto

Eupterote mollifera Moringa hairy caterpillar white fungal growth Isaria fungi Moringa tree Moringa oleifera Tehatta West Bengal India fungal infection fungal invasion Clavicipitaceae Cordycipitaceae insect infection cuticle penetration fungal enzymes haemocoel mycelia haemolymph insect tissues nutrient drainage tissue destruction toxin release insect death fungal proliferation insect cuticle fungal toxins fungal spread insect haemolymph fungal enzymes fungal lifecycle fungal taxonomy insect pathology.