Zombies have been a popular theme in media for a hundred or so years, but a recent discovery in Ireland may show what some real-world examples of a “zombie” could be. There’s no coming back from the dead here, but rather the way that certain fungi interact with spiders, using them as hosts.
Discovery of the Fungus
In 2021, there was a documentary being filmed in in Northern Ireland. The set was an abandoned gunpowder store, but when researchers found very strange orb-weaving spiders, and the fungus that accompanied them, they knew they had found something monumental.
How the Fungus Works
The spiders were infected by a fungus known a Gibellula attenboroughii. The fungi enters the spiders’ bodies and starts to take control of their motor functions. They make the spiders leave their lairs and seek out an exposed environment where they die. This is all so that the spores of the fungus can have the best dispersion so that the cycle may repeat.
Behavioral Changes in Infected Spiders
Once observed, it was easy to tell that the behavior of the spiders that were infected by the fungus was very different from non-infected examples. They would move as high as they could before the fungus would eventually let their spores out into the air where they would spread most effectively.
The Life Cycle of the Fungus
The fungus will start mummifying the spider after infection while it creates the infrastructure to facilitate the dispersion of the spores. They produce toxins in the spider’s body, which ultimately kills it. Once this process is complete, the cycle will be finished, and new spides will be infected.
Ecological Implications
Because the fungus affects spider behavior in such a drastic way, it alters populations and has fundamental ecological implications for its environment. Learning more about the interactions could provide a better understanding of fungal behavior and how it may affect other species.
Historical Context
The fungus that infects the spider population and alters host behavior is not the first of its kind. There are similar fungi that affect other insects, most notoriously ophiocordyceps, which behave very similarly to this newly discovered interaction with Gibellula attenboroughii and orb-weaving spiders.
Research Significance
These new discoveries may not seem significant, but they are crucial in the ongoing quest to understand more about fungal biology. Future research could also have medical implications, as fungi have been used widely in the past for medical breakthroughs.
Future Research Directions
Future research could focus on studying what metabolites are produced by the fungi, which is crucial in finding out more about how they interact with their hosts. Once they look into the ecological niche, they can also see if the fungus interacts with any organisms other than spiders.
Public Fascination with Zombie Phenomena
The concept of “zombie” creatures created by a fungus outbreak has captured the public imagination for years already. The most popular example of this kind of media is the video game “The Last of Us,” where a type of cordyceps fungus manages to take control of humans.
Conservation Considerations
As researchers continue to study this fungus, conservation efforts may need to consider the impact of such pathogens on local wildlife. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems, especially in sensitive environments like caves.
A Summary
In summary, Gibellula Attenborough represents a fascinating example of parasitic manipulation in nature. Its ability to turn spiders into zombies underscores the complex relationships within ecosystems and highlights the need for ongoing research into fungal biology.
New Avenues For Science
The discovery of zombie spiders infected by this unique fungus opens new avenues for scientific inquiry. By studying these interactions, we can gain a deeper appreciation for nature’s intricacies and the delicate balance that sustains life on Earth.
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