Thoughts-Controlling Fungus That Turns Spiders into Zombies Present in Eire

A newly recognized fungus that infects and manipulates spiders has been found in Northern Eire. Present in a former Victorian gunpowder retailer on the grounds of a ruined Irish fort, this fungus takes management of cave spiders, main them out of their common hiding spots earlier than killing them and utilizing their our bodies to launch spores. The fungus, which resembles the species recognized to contaminate ants, was first noticed through the filming of a nature documentary in 2021. Scientists later confirmed it as a wholly new species.

Named in Honour of Sir David Attenborough

In keeping with a examine revealed in Fungal Systematics and Evolution, the fungus has been named Gibellula attenboroughiiin recognition of British naturalist Sir David Attenborough. It was initially discovered on a lifeless orb-weaving cave spider, a species that sometimes resides in caves and darkish man-made buildings like cellars and previous storerooms. Following this preliminary discovery, extra contaminated spiders had been situated in caves throughout Eire. The contaminated spiders had been noticed in open areas somewhat than hid inside their common lairs, suggesting that the fungus influences their behaviour earlier than killing them.

How the Fungus Infects and Controls Spiders

Examine lead writer Harry Evans, an emeritus fellow on the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience Worldwide (CABI), defined to Reside Science that the fungus penetrates the spider’s physique, infecting its hemocoel—the cavity containing its blood-like fluid. As soon as inside, it secretes toxins to kill the host earlier than producing antibiotics that protect the corpse. When situations comparable to humidity ranges are appropriate, the fungus grows buildings on the spider’s physique to launch spores into the air.

Potential for Medicinal Purposes

Past its skill to control spiders, the fungus is being studied for potential medicinal properties. Evans famous that its antibiotic-producing capabilities may result in new medical discoveries. Scientists have extracted its DNA to substantiate that it’s a beforehand unidentified species. Whereas it has solely been present in Eire thus far, researchers suspect that related fungi could exist in different areas, together with Wales.

Hidden Variety of Parasitic Fungi

The examine highlighted the chance of many extra undiscovered fungal species, significantly parasitic ones. Researchers estimate that the fungal kingdom may include as much as 20 million species, with solely a small fraction at the moment recognized. Initially, the brand new species was to be named Gibellula bangbangus, referencing the gunpowder retailer the place it was first discovered, however the determination was later made to call it after Attenborough as an alternative.