Behold the fungus that turns spiders into zombies and marches them to their deaths
A newly discovered fungus has been found to turn spiders into zombies, according to a recent study published in the journal Fungal Systematics and Evolution. The fungus, named Gibellula attenboroughii after renowned nature documentary host David Attenborough, infects cave-dwelling spiders in Ireland, causing them to abandon their dark, damp habitats and march to high, dry places where they eventually die.
The discovery of this zombie spider fungus was made by Tim Fogg, a cave explorer who had encountered the fungus many times before realizing its true nature. Fogg, along with co-author Harry Evans of the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International, spent two and a half years studying the fungus and its effects on spiders in cave environments.
The fungus appears to target two species of spiders, Metellina merianae and Meta menardi, forcing them to act against their natural instincts by climbing to high, exposed areas before succumbing to the infection. Once the spiders die, the fungus releases spores that are carried by the wind to infect other unsuspecting spiders.
While the concept of zombie fungi may sound like something out of a horror movie, these parasitic fungi play a crucial role in regulating insect populations in ecosystems. Zombie fungi like Gibellula attenboroughii are not harmful to humans and may even have potential benefits, as some species have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including immune support and cancer treatment.
The discovery of this new species of zombie fungus highlights the fascinating and complex interactions that occur in nature. As researchers continue to study these fungi and their effects on host organisms, there is hope that they may uncover valuable insights that could benefit both humans and the environment.
