## 1 Introduction
Nutrient-rich hosts, particularly those high in lipids and proteins, significantly enhance the growth and potency of the fruit bodies, with the host type notably impacting their size and biochemical composition. For example, lepidopteran larvae tend to yield larger, more bioactive fruit bodies compared to those grown on coleopterans [18; 19]. The genetic makeup of the _C. militaris_ strains affects their efficiency and ability to adapt to environmental stresses, influencing the timing and success of fruit body development [20]. The cultivation of _C. militaris_ on non-insect hosts like grains and synthetic media serves as a sustainable alternative, though it results in fruit bodies with different characteristics compared to those from natural insect hosts [21]. These artificial cultivation methods facilitate controlled production and reduce dependence on natural insect populations, thereby providing a consistent supply for medicinal applications. The formation of fruit bodies is a complex biochemical process involving the breakdown of host tissues by fungal enzymes such as proteases, lipases, and chitinases [22]. The differentiation of hyphal cells into various structural and reproductive cells marks the maturation of the fruit body, culminating in the release of spores that complete the fungus's life cycle [23]. Understanding these dynamics offers insights into the ecological and biological processes that underpin this unique fungal life cycle, guiding the optimization of _C. militaris_ cultivation for medicinal purposes. The cultivation of _C. militaris_ hinges critically on the diversity of its hosts, impacting not only the yield and quality of its bioactive compounds but also the sustainability of its production methods. Host selection is pivotal, as each host contributes distinct physiological environments that influence the metabolic pathways of _C. militaris_, thus affecting the synthesis of crucial compounds like cordycepin and polysaccharides [24]. For instance, studies have shown that silkworm larvae, as hosts, yield higher cordycepin levels than other insects, underscoring the necessity of strategic host selection to tailor the medicinal properties of the fungus [25; 26]. The range of hosts spans from natural arthropods to synthetic media designed to replicate the nutritional profile of natural hosts, providing controlled environments that enhance specific compound production [16]. This diversification in host use not only mitigates the ecological impact caused by overharvesting certain natural hosts but also presents economic opportunities by enabling large-scale, sustainable production [27]. Genetic diversity among _C. militaris_ strains also plays a crucial role, influencing compatibility with various hosts and the efficiency of bioactive compound synthesis. Advances in molecular studies have furthered our understanding of how _C. militaris_ adapts its metabolic pathways to optimally exploit available resources, enhancing cultivation efficacy [28]. Advances in molecular studies have furthered our understanding of how _C. militaris_ adapts its metabolic pathways to optimally exploit available resources, enhancing cultivation efficacy [29]. Future research should continue to explore a broader spectrum of hosts and refine cultivation techniques to maximize the therapeutic potential of _C. militaris_, aligning with sustainable practices that ensure economic viability and environmental integrity [30]. The integration of traditional knowledge with contemporary biotechnological advancements is likely to propel the use of _C. militaris_ in global healthcare, making its therapeutic benefits more accessible [31]. This review aims to comprehensively explore the diversity of host species utilized in the cultivation of _C. militaris_ and to assess the influence of these hosts on the biological activity and chemical composition of the resulting fungi. Specifically, we seek to elucidate the impact of different host organisms on the yield and quality of _C.