Chinese Nomads Dig For Caterpillar Fungus

GUIDE COUNTY, CHINA - MAY 25: (CHINA OUT) A nomad displays the Chinese caterpillar fungus he dug from a mountain May 25, 2007 in Guide County, Hainan Prefecture, Qinghai Province, China. Nomads can earn about 2,000 yuan to 5,000 yuan (about U.S. $260 to $653 ) through their work during the fifty-day Chinese caterpillar fungus gathering season. Chinese caterpillar fungus, about U.S. $600 per pound, is also called Cordyceps Sinensis Mushroom. The fungus multiples by parasitizing insect larvae, forming hypha and maturing outside the larva. The fungus exists in mountains and meadows with an altitude of 9,840 to 16,400 feet. Caterpillar fungus is highly valued in Chinese medicine and used in drugs to restore energy, promote longevity and stimulate the immune system, however, because of excessive exploitation, the Chinese caterpillar fungus resource has been destroyed and has become increasingly rare. The Chinese government has restricted the digging of the fungus. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)