The Deadly Fungus That Turns Spiders Into Zombie Puppets

Written by Sara Aquino

Published on 01/02/2025 at 09:05

Updated on 01/02/2025 at 09:06

Foto: IA

19 people reacted to this.

Scientists Discover A Parasitic Fungus Capable Of Turning Spiders Into Real Zombie Marionettes. Know How It Works!

Spiders are not the most beloved animals, but imagine if they were turned into zombies? This scene, worthy of a horror movie, actually happens in nature, thanks to a newly discovered parasitic fungus that dominates and consumes its victims.

The Fungus Controlling Spiders

Unlike what we see in science fiction, where a virus causes zombie infections, in the real world, it is fungi that play this role. The genus Ophiocordyceps is the most famous among manipulating parasites, affecting insects like ants.

Now, scientists have identified a new species of the genus Gibellula, specialized in attacking arachnids.

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How Does The Fungus Dominate Its Host?

The infection begins when the spores of the fungus come into contact with the spider, invading its body and multiplying rapidly.

During the first few days, the spider remains alive but completely loses control of its movements.

Under the command of the parasite, it moves to high and exposed locations, ideal for the dispersal of spores.

This behavior is also observed in ants infected by Ophiocordyceps, common in Brazil.

The hosts abandon their natural shelters and migrate to open areas, where they die and serve as a platform for the spread of the fungus.

What Scientists Discovered

There is still much to be studied about Gibellula attenboroughii, but scientists believe its impact on the spider population could be significant.

The behavior of the victims suggests that the fungus exerts a high degree of manipulation over its hosts, altering their natural behavior to an extreme degree.

The species name was chosen in honor of iconic broadcaster and naturalist David Attenborough, a pioneer in wildlife broadcasting through the BBC.

The research was published in the journal Fungal Systematics and Evolution and paves the way for further investigations into parasitism in arachnids.

The Fascinating And Frightening Nature

The discovery of Gibellula attenboroughii shows how complex and intriguing the relationship between parasites and their hosts can be.

The existence of fungi that turn spiders into zombies seems like something out of a nightmare, but it is an impressive reality that continues to intrigue science.

With information from: https://super.abril.com.br/ciencia/nova-especie-de-fungo-descoberta-transforma-aranhas-em-zumbis/

2 Comments

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Anderson Rodrigues Souza Matos

#121887

02/02/2025 21:39

The last of Us

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poluna garova(@polunagarova)

#121421

01/02/2025 17:05

❤️Aqui você pode tirar a roupa da garota e vê-la nua) Confira ➤ Ja.cat/gosea

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The Deadly Fungus That Turns Spiders Into Zombie Puppets

Scientists Discover A Parasitic Fungus Capable Of Turning Spiders Into Real Zombie Marionettes. Know How It Works!

The Fungus Controlling Spiders

How Does The Fungus Dominate Its Host?

What Scientists Discovered

The Fascinating And Frightening Nature

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The Deadly Fungus That Turns Spiders Into Zombie Puppets

Scientists Discover A Parasitic Fungus Capable Of Turning Spiders Into Real Zombie Marionettes. Know How It Works!

The Fungus Controlling Spiders

How Does The Fungus Dominate Its Host?

What Scientists Discovered

The Fascinating And Frightening Nature

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