This Mushroom Tricks Flies By Faking Its Own Death

The cage fungus looks and smells like decaying meat — on purpose.

This Mushroom Tricks Flies By Faking Its Own Death Deep Look

Premiered February 22, 2022
This Mushroom Tricks Flies By Faking Its Own Death

The cage fungus looks and smells like decaying meat — on purpose. Its goopy lattice gives off a rotten odor that attracts flies, which help spread its spores far and wide. It’s like a bee to a flower, but way more macabre and putrid.

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Deep Look

See the unseen at the very edge of our visible world. Get a new perspective on our place in the universe and meet extraordinary new friends. Explore big scientific mysteries by going incredibly small.

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