Zombie Spiders: A Fascinating Discovery
Scientists recently found something eerie while filming a documentary in an old gunpowder store in Northern Ireland. They discovered cave spiders affected by a fungus that turns them into “zombies.” This fungus is reminiscent of the one seen in the popular video game and TV series, “The Last of Us.”
In a recent study published in the journal Fungal Systematics and Evolution, researchers noted a new fungus species called Gibellula attenboroughii, named after the famous natural historian David Attenborough. This fungus infects cave-dwelling orb-weaving spiders.
The infected spiders undergo eerie behavioral changes. Similar to “zombie ants” that follow a fungus’s influence, these spiders are compelled to venture into more open spaces. Scientists believe this is so the fungus can spread its spores effectively.
What’s chilling is how the fungus takes control of the spider. The spores invade the spider’s blood, pushing it to open areas where it eventually succumbs to a neurotoxin. After death, an antimicrobial substance preserves the spider’s body, allowing the fungus to thrive and absorb nutrients.
Interestingly, despite the creepy nature of this fungus, researchers like Harry Evans point out that it could lead to important medical advancements. The substances produced by the fungus might have potential as antibiotics and other medical treatments.
This discovery opens up a world of possibilities. As Evans stated, the fungal kingdom is vast, with perhaps 10 to 20 million species waiting to be found. Yet, we’ve only described about 1% of them. There’s much more to learn about these fascinating fungi.
This study shows just how strange and wonderful the natural world can be, revealing connections between species that are both surprising and unsettling.
