Lifecycles of Cordysceps

• DCXC is short form as in Dong Chong Xia Cao.
• Wild cordyceps takes 2-3 years to be harvested.
• DCXC is the combination of larvae species Hepialus  + Ophiocordyceps Sinensis Fungus.

In wildlife, natural infection happened in young larvae, the fungus getting matured after the 5th instar stage. It takes 2-3 years time or some more than 5 years time for a larva to become an adult worm. Thus for an adult DCXC to be observed, it takes also 2-3 years time.