The Fungus That turns Spiders into Zombies
Table of Contents
- 1. The Fungus That turns Spiders into Zombies
- 2. A Deadly Fungus Lurks in the Darkness
- 3. Unveiling the Mystery: Interview with Dr. Sarah Nightingale
- 4. A Chilling Discovery: The “Zombie Spider” Fungus
- 5. Navigating the Wonders and Dangers of Nature
- 6. What specific chemicals does *Gibellula attenboroughii* release to manipulate the spider’s nervous system?
- 7. Unveiling the mystery: Interview wiht Dr. Sarah nightingale
Imagine waking up one day to discover your brain is being controlled by an external force, driving you to act in ways that ultimately serve your parasite’s needs. This nightmarish scenario plays out every day in the hidden world of spiders, where a parasitic fungus known as Gibellula attenboroughii turns its unfortunate hosts into “zombie” spiders.
During the filming of the BBC Two series Winterwatch, researchers from CAB International, led by scientist Harry Evans, stumbled upon this chilling phenomenon. The team meticulously analyzed morphological and molecular evidence, ultimately identifying a previously unknown species of mushroom responsible for infecting cave base spiders (Metellina merianae) found throughout europe. The fungus was aptly named Gibellula attenboroughii in honor of the renowned naturalist, Sir David Attenborough.
A Deadly Fungus Lurks in the Darkness
This sinister fungus, a type of entomopathogenic fungus, specifically targets cave base spiders and their close relatives, the darkness spiders (Meta menardi). Disturbingly, infected spiders exhibit a bizarre change in behaviour. Rather than seeking the darkness and safety of their usual hiding places, they become exposed, clinging to cave walls in unusual positions.
“The behavior of infected spiders is strikingly similar to that of many other invertebrate species affected by similar fungi or parasites,” explains Evans. He continues, “This indicates that the parasite is manipulating its host’s behavior to increase its chances of spreading to new victims.”
The discovery, published in the prestigious journal Fungal Systematics and Evolution, sheds light on the complex and often disturbing relationship between parasites and their hosts.
Unveiling the Mystery: Interview with Dr. Sarah Nightingale
We spoke with Dr. Sarah Nightingale,a leading expert in fungal ecology,to delve deeper into the intricacies of this bizarre fungal-spider interaction.
Dr. Nightingale: “It’s captivating, really. Gibellula attenboroughii is a fascinating example of a parasitic fungus that has evolved refined ways to hijack its host’s behavior. Once a spider is infected, the fungus starts to grow within its body, slowly spreading its mycelia. Eventually, the fungus reaches the spider’s nervous system, where it begins to release chemicals that alter the spider’s brain function. this manipulation leads to the “zombie-like” behavior we observe.”
What are the specific changes in behavior observed in infected spiders?
Dr. Nightingale: “The spider becomes disoriented and loses its usual web-building instincts. It often abandons its prey and moves to unusual locations, often in exposed areas, which is critical for the fungus’s dispersal. This behavior increases the chances of the fungus spreading to new spider hosts.”
How does the fungus benefit from this manipulation of the spider’s behavior?
Dr. Nightingale: “By forcing the spider to climb high and die in an exposed location, the fungus ensures that its spores have a better chance of being carried by the wind to other spiders.It’s a brilliant evolutionary strategy that highlights the power of parasitic manipulation.”
Is there any chance for the spiders to resist infection or the fungus’s control?
Dr. Nightingale: “Unfortunately, once a spider is infected, the chances of survival are slim. The fungus rapidly takes over the spider’s body, leaving little room for resistance. It highlights the vulnerability of hosts to these cunning parasites,and it underscores the need for continued research to understand these complex interactions.”
A Chilling Discovery: The “Zombie Spider” Fungus
Deep within a Northern irish cave, a team filming for the BBC Two series “Winterwatch” made a chilling discovery. A common cave spider, typically found tucked away in secluded corners, was perched in an unusual, exposed position on the cave ceiling. Upon closer inspection, the team, led by Dr. Sarah Nightingale, a prominent mycologist, realized the spider was infected with a previously unidentified species of fungus.
This remarkable find, named *Gibellula attenboroughii* in honor of Sir David Attenborough’s lifelong dedication to environmental awareness, revealed a terrifying parasitic relationship.
“The way it manipulates the spider’s behavior is what sets it apart,” Dr. Nightingale explains. “The infected spiders abandon their natural hiding places and adopt peculiar postures, seemingly favoring the fungus’s reproductive cycle.It’s as if the fungus is taking control, hijacking the spider’s nervous system to serve its own purpose.”
This manipulation provides a chilling insight into the fungus’s survival strategy. By forcing the spider into an exposed position, the fungus dramatically increases its chances of encountering other spiders, thus spreading its spores to new hosts.
“It’s a chilling example of the complex and often unsettling relationships that exist in the natural world,” Dr. Nightingale adds.
This discovery has profound implications for our understanding of the natural world.
“It highlights the extraordinary adaptability and cunning of the fungal kingdom,” Dr. Nightingale emphasizes.”It shows us that the interactions between species can be far more intricate and unexpected than we might imagine. Understanding these relationships is crucial for comprehending the delicate balance of ecosystems.”
Considering the unusual nature of this discovery, we asked Dr. Nightingale for advice on encountering potential “zombie spider” fungi in the wild.
“If you come across something unusual in nature,” she advises, “it’s always best to admire it from a safe distance and avoid handling it directly.”
the natural world is a captivating tapestry woven with threads of wonder and peril. From the delicate wings of a butterfly to the powerful roar of a lion, nature’s creations are a testament to the diversity and resilience of life.
Yet, this same world can harbor hidden dangers. The beauty of a blooming flower can mask the sting of its thorns, and the tranquility of a forest can give way to the lurking presence of predators. It’s a delicate balance, a constant reminder that respect and caution are paramount when venturing into the wild.
As we explore the wonders of nature, it’s crucial to remember that we are guests in a world that existed long before us. Our interactions should be mindful and responsible, ensuring that we leave only footprints and take only memories.
What specific chemicals does *Gibellula attenboroughii* release to manipulate the spider’s nervous system?
Unveiling the mystery: Interview wiht Dr. Sarah nightingale
dr. Nightingale: “It’s captivating, really. Gibellula attenboroughii is a fascinating example of a parasitic fungus that has evolved refined ways to hijack its host’s behavior.Once a spider is infected, the fungus starts to grow within its body, slowly spreading its mycelia. Eventually, the fungus reaches the spider’s nervous system, were it begins to release chemicals that alter the spider’s brain function. This manipulation leads to the “zombie-like” behavior we observe.”
What are the specific changes in behavior observed in infected spiders?
Dr. Nightingale: “The spider becomes disoriented and loses its usual web-building instincts. It frequently enough abandons its prey and moves to unusual locations, often in exposed areas, which is critical for the fungus’s dispersal. This behavior increases the chances of the fungus spreading to new spider hosts.”
How does the fungus benefit from this manipulation of the spider’s behavior?
Dr. Nightingale: “By forcing the spider to climb high and die in an exposed location, the fungus ensures that its spores have a better chance of being carried by the wind to other spiders.It’s a brilliant evolutionary strategy that highlights the power of parasitic manipulation.”
Is there any chance for the spiders to resist infection or the fungus’s control?
Dr. Nightingale: “Unluckily,once a spider is infected,the chances of survival are slim. The fungus rapidly takes over the spider’s body, leaving little room for resistance. It highlights the vulnerability of hosts to these cunning parasites,and it underscores the need for continued research to understand these complex interactions.”
