A fascinating fungus is taking control of spiders, turning them into “zombies.” Known as Gibellula attenboroughii, this fungus invades the spider’s body and consumes it from the inside. Once inside, it influences the spider’s behavior, altering its brain chemistry and forcing it out into the open where it eventually dies. The fungus then sprouts from the spider’s remains, releasing spores to infect more spiders, ensuring its survival.
Researchers are still trying to figure out how long the infected spiders can live after their transformation. Some estimates suggest they may last up to three weeks. Reports of these zombie spiders have come from places like attics in America, gardens in the UK, and basements in the Czech Republic.
Importantly, G. attenboroughii poses no threat to humans. Expert João Araújo, a mycologist, explains that for a fungus to infect humans like in the HBO series “The Last of Us,” it would take millions of years of genetic changes. So, there’s little to worry about!
This fungus was first reported in Ireland during the filming of a 2021 nature documentary. Dr. Harry Evans, an emeritus fellow at CAB International, helped identify the fungus and its spider hosts in caves across the UK and Ireland. The infected spiders exhibit odd behaviors, choosing to leave their webs to die in open areas, similar to how certain infected ants behave in Brazilian rainforests.
Scientists believe this discovery reveals a hidden diversity of parasitic fungi in the British Isles. Dr. Evans speculates that there may be millions of undiscovered fungal species, with only a small fraction described so far. Recently, reports have also emerged from Minnesota and New York about the presence of these zombie spiders.
User reactions on social media have been intriguing. Many people shared their creepy discoveries of the fungus-infected spiders, often describing them in alarming detail. For instance, Gardener Gareth Jenkins found a mass of these spiders clumped together in a garden, and shared how they looked as if they were frozen in place. Others, like amateur naturalist Ben Mitchell, reported similar finds in nature, sparking discussions about these bizarre creatures.
This adds to an increasing interest in parasitic relationships in nature. While most people think of parasitic fungi as niche players in the ecosystem, this finding shows they can have a considerable effect on spider populations and behaviors.
As we continue to learn more about these fascinating organisms, it’s clear that the world of fungi holds many secrets waiting to be uncovered.
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