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Fungus Turns Cave Spiders into 'Zombies' Across the UK
21 Aug
Summary
- Fungus called Gibellula attenboroughii infects and kills cave-dwelling spiders
- Fungus manipulates spider's brain chemistry, forcing it out of web to die
- Fungus sprouts from corpse, releasing spores to infect new spiders
A deadly fungus has been turning cave-dwelling spiders into real-life 'zombies' across the UK. The fungus, known as Gibellula attenboroughii, attaches to the spider, invades its body, and devours it from the inside out.
Once the fungus has taken control, it manipulates the spider's brain chemistry, altering dopamine levels to force the insect out of its web and into the open, where it ultimately dies. Afterward, the fungus sprouts fruiting bodies from the corpse, releasing spores to infect new spiders and continue the deadly cycle.
Researchers have discovered the infected spiders in various locations across the UK, including England, Ireland, and Russia. While the fungus poses no threat to humans, scientists warn that it is a concerning discovery, as it suggests there may be many more undiscovered parasitic fungi species in the region.
