A mind-altering parasite is riding cave spiders from their lairs within the inexperienced hills of Eire – The Gentleman Report | World | Business | Science | Technology | Health
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A mind-altering parasite is riding cave spiders from their lairs within the inexperienced hills of Eire

A mind-altering parasite is riding cave spiders from their lairs within the inexperienced hills of Eire
January 30, 2025



One of those parasitic fungus that takes keep an eye on of spiders earlier than killing them – very similar to the ‘zombie’ fungi that have an effect on ants – has been found out in Eire.
First noticed in 2021 right through the filming of the BBC’s Winterwatch collection, the brand new species has been named Gibellula attenboroughii, after the broadcaster and herbal historian Sir David Attenborough.
Researchers from the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences Global (CABI), the Herbal Historical past Museum of Denmark, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, studied the species’ DNA and morphology to make sure the invention.
The scientists, who revealed their findings within the magazine Fungal Systematics and Evolution, imagine the paintings may just assist us higher know the way fungi affect insect and spider populations.

Gibellula attenboroughii: a better glance
In line with the learn about, Gibellula attenboroughii used to be seen infecting orb-weaving cave spiders (Metellina merianae), in addition to different species, such because the Ecu cave spider (Meta menardi), throughout Northern Eire and the Republic of Eire.
When inflamed, those typically reclusive arachnids left their lairs or webs, shifting to extra uncovered places to die.
This behaviour is comparable to that of ‘zombie ants’ within the Amazon, which might be managed by means of different fungi earlier than loss of life in puts ultimate for spreading spores. Gibellula attenboroughii may just neatly be exploiting the cave spiders similarly.
The scientists conclude that the function of Gibellula attenboroughii “in spider-population dynamics warrants additional learn about, as does the metabolites they produce which permit them to milk this kind of extremely particular ecological area of interest.”
Primary symbol: Gibellula attenboroughii at the orb-weaving cave spider/CABI
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