Batkoa major is a naturally occurring fungus that infects insects.
Found in the soil and belonging to the entomopathogenic fungi, the fungus spores attach to the insects' bodies upon contact.
The fungus then enters the insect's body through weak spots in the outer cuticle or exoskeleton.
[6][7] The fungus has been studied as an environmentally-friendly insecticide to control pests such as the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in north-eastern North America.
[5] Other known targets include the pine beauty moth[8][9] and the potato leafhopper.