Entomopathogenic fungi are a group of fungi that specifically target and infect insects. These fungi can penetrate the insect's exoskeleton and grow inside its body, ultimately leading to the insect's death. They play a crucial role in controlling insect populations in natural ecosystems and can be used in biological pest control. These fungi have various life cycles and methods of infection, often producing spores that can be dispersed in the environment. Some well-known genera include Beauveria and Metarhizium, which are studied for their potential in agriculture as environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides.