A shocking discovery has been made in the world of fungi. Scientists in Europe have identified a previously unknown species of fungus that takes control of cave spiders, turning them into “zombies” before their untimely death. This bizarre fungus manipulates the spiders’ behavior, luring them away from their webs and then using their lifeless bodies to spread its spores. Here’s a closer look at the peculiar behavior and the fascinating science behind it.

A Deadly Mind-Control Fungus

The newly discovered fungus, named Gibellula attenboroughii, acts in a similar way to the famous zombie-ant fungus. This species manipulates its spider prey, causing them to leave their webs and move to a location that benefits the fungus. In this new study, published on January 24 in Fungal Systematics and Evolution, scientists are still uncertain about how exactly the fungus takes control of the spider’s brain.

“This is a new origin of behavioral manipulation in the parasitic world,” says Dr. João Araújo, a mycologist at the Natural History Museum of Denmark. “It’s something really interesting and not super common.”

While similar fungi have been known to infect ants and wasps, Gibellula attenboroughii adds a new twist by targeting spiders, creating even more intrigue in the parasitic world.

How Does the Fungus Control the Spider?

The fungus seems to exert mind control over its zombie spider victims, causing them to leave their safe webs and travel to an exposed area where they will eventually die. The fungus then grows on the spider’s body, releasing spores into the air, where they can land on other unsuspecting spiders.

This behavior is strikingly different from what we usually see in web-building spiders, which are normally content staying on their webs. “Spiders are really bad at moving around on the ground,” says Dr. Jay Stafstrom, a sensory ecology expert at Cornell University. The fact that the fungus can alter their behavior to help spread its spores is a remarkable feat of nature.

The Discovery: A Hidden Fungus in the Caves of Ireland

The discovery of Gibellula attenboroughii happened quite by accident in 2021 when a television crew filming in an abandoned gunpowder storeroom in Northern Ireland noticed strange behavior in the spiders. They observed that the orb weaver spider had positioned itself away from its web in an exposed area, indicating it had been manipulated by the zombie fungus.

Further research revealed more infected spiders in caves across Northern Ireland and Ireland. These spiders were found in areas where they were unusually exposed, either hanging on the walls or the roof of the cave—far from their usual webbed spots.

The Mystery of the Fungus: What’s Really Going On?

Despite the exciting discovery, scientists are still unclear about how the fungus manipulates the spider’s brain. It’s possible that the fungus produces chemicals or metabolites that affect the spider’s nervous system, causing it to leave its safe spot and move to a more exposed location.

Dr. Araújo believes the zombie fungus might be taking advantage of air currents to help spread its spores. When spiders are in exposed positions, they are more likely to be swept by the breeze, which helps the fungus release its spores into the environment.

While researchers don’t yet understand the full mechanics behind this behavior, they’re optimistic about uncovering more about this fascinating species. “It’s a new field of research that could reveal many more surprises,” says Araújo.

How Does This Affect Spiders and the Ecosystem?

At present, Gibellula attenboroughii seems to primarily target cave-dwelling orb-weaver spiders, particularly the species Metellina merianae and Meta menardi. Fortunately, scientists believe these spiders are not at significant risk of extinction due to the fungus.

“Fungi have coexisted with these spiders for millions of years,” says Araújo. “They likely keep ecosystems in balance by regulating insect populations.”

Though the zombie fungus may have a deadly effect on individual spiders, it seems to be an essential part of the ecosystem, similar to how other fungi help control insect populations. In fact, other fungi have been shown to regulate populations of ants, which could help maintain a healthy balance in the forest.

The Future of Fungus Research: More to Discover

Around 150,000 species of fungi have been formally documented, but scientists estimate that only about 5% of the total fungal species are known. Gibellula attenboroughii is a shining example of how much more there is to learn about zombie fungi.

While this discovery might sound like something out of a horror movie (reminiscent of the popular series The Last of Us), there’s no need to worry about humans being affected. “This fungus only targets spiders,” assures Dr. Matthew Nelsen, an evolutionary biologist at Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History.

This new find could have future applications in crop protection or even human medicine, especially if the zombie fungi’s ability to manipulate behavior could offer insights into diseases like Alzheimer’s. “It’s a fascinating discovery,” says Araújo. “There’s potential here for understanding brain manipulation, and it could lead to breakthroughs in medicine.”

Conclusion: The Zombie Fungus of the Spider World

Gibellula attenboroughii, the “zombie fungus,” is just one example of the mysteries the natural world still holds. From mind-controlling fungi to the secrets hidden in caves, the discovery opens up an exciting new chapter in parasitic behavior and fungal research. As scientists continue to unravel the complexities of these organisms, we’re sure to see more fascinating findings in the future—reminding us just how much there is still to discover.