New ‘zombie’ fungus discovered in Ireland, controls spiders before killing
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A newly discovered fungus in Northern Ireland has the ability to infect and manipulate spiders, altering their behavior before ultimately using their bodies to spread spores.
Scientists found the parasitic fungus in an abandoned Victorian-era gunpowder store near the ruins of an Irish castle, where it was observed taking control of cave spiders. The fungus forces them out of their usual hiding places before killing them and using their corpses to release spores into the air.
The discovery, detailed in Fungal Systematics and Evolution, led researchers to name the new species Gibellula attenboroughii in honor of renowned British naturalist Sir David Attenborough.
The fungus was first spotted in 2021 during the filming of a nature documentary. Initially found on a dead orb-weaving cave spider - a species that typically resides in caves, cellars, and old structures - the fungus was later observed infecting more spiders in various locations across Ireland. Scientists noted that infected spiders were found in exposed areas rather than their usual hiding spots, indicating that the fungus influences their movements before killing them.
Lead researcher Harry Evans, an emeritus fellow at the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), explained that the fungus infiltrates the spider’s body by entering its hemocoel, the cavity containing its blood-like fluid. Once inside, it releases toxins that kill the host and then produces antibiotics to preserve the body. Under the right humidity conditions, the fungus grows structures on the spider’s remains, which help spread spores into the air, continuing the infection cycle.
Aside from its eerie ability to control spiders, scientists believe the fungus could have potential medicinal applications.
Evans highlighted its antibiotic-producing properties, which could be valuable for medical research. Researchers have already extracted its DNA to confirm that it is an entirely new species. Although currently only found in Ireland, experts suspect that similar fungi may exist in other parts of the world, including Wales.
Scientists estimate that up to 20 million fungal species exist, with only a small percentage identified so far.