Mycelis:

A menacing fungal hive mind that flourishes in scorching landscapes. This parasitic entity prefers to take root in the searing heat of geothermally active regions and volcanic expanses. The Mycelis manifests as pulsating, orangish fungi, releasing spores to infiltrate and control host individuals. Once infected, these hosts lose their autonomy, becoming drones manipulated by the collective will of the Mycelis. While not particularly intelligent on its own, by assimilating others races it eventually absorbs their knowledge, which is added to the collective. Mycelis that are removed from the conglomerate can act with some level of independence.