Chinese Cordyceps is a famous fungus–larva symbiont. In this study, the levels of Pb, Ni, As, and Cd and some major metals in the soil environment that may contribute to the occurrence of Chinese Cordyceps have been determined. Assessments showed that potential ecological risks in the study areas from these elements were low and in the order of Cd > As > Pb > Ni. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that As, Se and available Mn were significantly correlated with the occurrence of Chinese Cordyceps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]