A wild caterpillar fungus from Sog county in Nagqu, Xizang autonomous region, has been certified by Guinness World Records as the "largest Cordyceps sinensis", weighing 1.36 grams. The county received the world records certificate on July 25.

The record was confirmed during a Nagqu caterpillar fungus exhibition and sales event. The specimen first won the top prize in the fresh cordyceps category at a local competition before undergoing expert evaluation, market supervision verification, precision weighing, and final confirmation by Guinness World Records officials.

Experts verified that the specimen was a genuine wild caterpillar fungus, with no artificial modification, added weight, or impurities. The certification process followed Guinness World Records requirements.

A wild caterpillar fungus from the Xizang autonomous region. [Photo/Xizang Daily]

Located in the upper reaches of the Nujiang River, Sog county has an average elevation of more than 4,000 meters. Local caterpillar fungus harvesting mainly takes place from May to July, with collectors often working in high-altitude areas.

Lhawang Tsering, head of Sog county's bureau of industry and information technology and commerce, said the record would help promote the regional brand of Nagqu caterpillar fungus and further develop local specialty industries.