ll.

Insects of various orders have been observed from time to time to
become the prey of fungi.[L] That known at Guadaloupe under the name
of _La Guepe Vegetale_, or vegetable wasp, has been often cited as
evidence that, in some instances at least, the fungus attacks the
insect whilst still living. Dr. Madianna states that he has noticed
the wasp still living with its incumbrance attached to it, though
apparently in the last stage of existence, and seeming about to perish
from the influence of its destructive parasite.[M] This fungus is
called by Tulasne _Torrubia sphecocephala_.[N] About twenty-five
species of this genus of sphaeriaceous fungi have been described as
parasitic on insects. Five species are recorded in South Carolina, one
in Pennsylvania, found on the larvae of the May-bug, and one other
North American species on Nocturnal Lepidoptera, one in Cayenne, one
in Brazil, on the larva of a _Cicada_, and one on a species of ant,
two in the West Indies, one in New Guinea on a species of _Coccus_,
and one on a species of _Vespa_ in Senegal. In Australia two species
have been recorded, and two are natives of New Zealand. Dr. Hooker
found two in the Khassya mountains of India, and one American species
has also been found at Darjeeling. It has long been known that one
species, which has a medicinal repute there, is found in China, whilst
three have been recorded in Great Britain. Opinions are divided as to
whether in these instances the fungus causes or is subsequent to the
death of the insect. It is generally the belief of entomologists that
the death of the insect is caused by the fungus. In the case of
_Isaria sphingum_, which is the conidia form of a species of
_Torrubia_, the moth has been found standing on a leaf, as during
life, with the fungus sprouting from its body.

Other and less perfect forms of fungi also attack insects. During the
summer of 1826, Professor Sebert collected a great many caterpillars
of _Arctia villica_, for the purpose of watching their growth. These
insects on arriving at their full size became quite soft, and then
suddenly died. Soon after they became hard, and, if bent, would easily
break into two pieces. Their bodies were covered with a beautiful
shining white mould. If some of the caterpillars affected with the
parasitic mould were placed on the same tree with those apparently
free from its attack, the latter soon exhibited signs that they also
were attacked in the same manner,