A newly discovered fungus, named after renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough, has been found to transform cave spiders into so-called "zombies." This fungus, a member of the Gibellula genus, specializes in spiders and has been observed impacting species such as Meta menardi, which typically remain concealed within their webs. The initial discovery of this peculiar fungus occurred in 2021 on an orb-weaving spider (Metellina merianae) in Northern Ireland. It was subsequently identified in the Republic of Ireland as well.
The discovery was made by a team filming a BBC documentary series, with mycologist João Araújo of the Natural History Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen first identifying the species. Researchers meticulously examined the fungus's ecology, morphology, and genetics to ascertain whether it represented a new species. The fungus compels its arachnid hosts into more exposed areas, which likely facilitates the dispersal of its spores. This behavior represents the first known instance of a Gibellula fungus occupying the ecological niche of cave spiders.
“If we cut through the infected spider, we don’t see any spider anymore,” he says. “It’s just the fungal mass inside, which is the shape of the spider.” – João Araújo
This fungus holds potential practical applications, including aiding pest control in agriculture and offering insights for medical innovations. The research underscores the importance of studying fungal species individually to build a comprehensive understanding of their roles and effects. The study detailing this discovery was published in Fungal Systematics and Evolution on January 24.
The discovery has initiated further exploration into the dynamics of parasite-host relationships, as scientists aim to uncover more about these intriguing interactions. The unique adaptation of this fungus to cave spiders not only enriches our ecological knowledge but also suggests broader implications for managing pests in various environments.
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