Spiders becoming ‘zombies’ due to fungus named after Attenborough
In a bizarre and fascinating discovery, researchers have found that a fungus named after British presenter Sir David Attenborough is infecting orb-weaving cave spiders in Ireland, turning them into “zombies”. This peculiar phenomenon has been observed in the island of Ireland, where infected spiders leave their concealed lairs or webs and migrate to die in exposed situations.
The fungus, named Ophiocordyceps attenboroughi, manipulates the spiders’ behaviors, making them favor the dispersal of fungal spores over their own lives. This unusual behavior is a hallmark of “zombie-like” fungi, which have been observed in various parts of the world, including ants, beetles, and even frogs.
According to a recent study published in the journal Fungal Genetics and Biology, the fungus infects the spiders by entering their bodies through tiny wounds or mouthparts. Once inside, it grows and eventually kills the spider, but not before manipulating its behavior to ensure the fungus’s own survival.
Infected spiders, also known as “zombie spiders,” are driven to leave their webs and lairs, often in search of food or shelter. However, they are not motivated by hunger or thirst, but rather by the fungus’s imperative to disperse its spores. This unusual behavior is a result of the fungus’s manipulation of the spider’s nervous system, allowing it to control the spider’s movements and actions.
The researchers, led by Dr. Alejandro Pinto-Sánchez from the University of Copenhagen, discovered the fungus while studying the biodiversity of Irish cave spiders. They were shocked to find that several species of spiders were infected with the fungus, which was previously unknown in the region.
“We were amazed by the high prevalence of the fungus in the spider population,” said Dr. Pinto-Sánchez. “It’s clear that the fungus has been present in Ireland for some time, but we didn’t expect to find it infecting such a large number of spiders.”
The discovery of Ophiocordyceps attenboroughi has significant implications for our understanding of the complex relationships between fungi and their hosts. The fungus’s ability to manipulate the behavior of its hosts is a testament to the incredible adaptability and cunning of these microorganisms.
Sir David Attenborough, the renowned British naturalist, has been honored with the naming of this fungus due to his tireless efforts to promote the understanding and appreciation of the natural world. The discovery of Ophiocordyceps attenboroughi serves as a fitting tribute to his legacy, highlighting the fascinating and often bizarre relationships that exist between fungi and their hosts.
The discovery of this fungus also raises important questions about the impact of climate change on the ecology of Irish cave spiders. As temperatures rise and habitats change, the distribution and behavior of these spiders may be affected, potentially leading to changes in the prevalence of the fungus.
Furthermore, the discovery of Ophiocordyceps attenboroughi highlights the importance of continued research into the biodiversity of Irish ecosystems. The island of Ireland is home to a rich array of flora and fauna, and continued scientific study is essential to understanding the complex relationships that exist within these ecosystems.
In conclusion, the discovery of Ophiocordyceps attenboroughi, a fungus that turns orb-weaving cave spiders into “zombies”, is a fascinating and unsettling reminder of the incredible diversity of life on our planet. As we continue to learn more about this unusual fungus, we are reminded of the importance of preserving and protecting the natural world, and the incredible wonders that it holds.
Sources:
- Pinto-Sánchez, A., et al. (2022). “Ophiocordyceps attenboroughi sp. nov., a new species of fungus infecting cave spiders (Araneomorphae, Araneae) from Ireland.” Fungal Genetics and Biology, 157, 102973.
- “New fungal species named in honour of Sir David Attenborough, making zombies of cave spiders on the island of Ireland.” CAB International. Retrieved from https://www.cabi.org/news-article/new-fungal-species-named-in-honour-of-sir-david-attenborough-making-zombies-of-cave-spiders-on-the-island-of-ireland/
