INDIANA MUSHROOMS
Elaphocordyceps longisegmentis is a parasite of the
underground (hypogeous) fungus Elaphomyces granulatus.  
Found in Elaphomyces habitat; oak/beech woods.
These examples of Elaphocordyceps longisegmentis were found in
November 2006, in the same immediate area as the December 2004
collection below.  Identification of Elaphocordyceps longisegmentis
requires microscopic examination and measurement of its spores.  
Elaphocordyceps capitata (=Cordyceps capitata;Cordyceps canadensis) looks
similar but has several microscopic differences.
  Elaphocordyceps longisegmentis
Elaphocordyceps longisegmentis
Elaphocordyceps longisegmentis with host Elaphomyces granulatus
micrograph of Elaphocordyceps longisegmentis ascus
micrograph of Elaphocordyceps longisegmentis stroma epidermis
micrograph of Elaphocordyceps longisegmentis part spore 40 microns long
micrograph of Elaphocordyceps longisegmentis single spore (eight parts)
micrograph of Elaphocordyceps longisegmentis spore segments
micrograph of Elaphocordyceps longisegmentis ascus eight spored
These micrographs show the spore producing cells (asci) of Elaphocordyceps
longisegmentis.  Eight spores per ascus; spores are multiseptate (divided many
times) and some produce eight partspores for a total of 64 per ascus.
The cylindrical partspores of Elaphocordyceps longisegmentis. Partspores
measure 40-65 x 4-5 microns.
Elaphocordyceps capitata has much smaller partspores, 8-25 (32) x 2.5-3.
Longitudinal section of stroma epidermis (outer fertile surface) of
Elaphocordyceps longisegmentis.  Note embedded flask or jug shaped
perithecium (where asci are produced) and the palisade structure of epidermis.
See Typification of Cordyceps canadensis and C. capitata, and a New
Species, C. longisegmentis, J. Ginns, Mycologia, 80(2), 1988.  
Available at Cordyceps.us

See also E. longisegmentis at Cordyceps.us
micrograph of Elaphocordyceps longisegmentis perithecium