A newly identified fungus, Gibellula attenboroughii, has been discovered to transform cave spiders into ‘zombies’, forcing them out of their habitats and into exposed areas where spores can be dispersed.
In a fascinating discovery that has left scientists and nature enthusiasts alike in awe, a newly identified fungus has been named after the renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough. This peculiar organism, known as Gibellula attenboroughii, has the ability to transform cave spiders into ‘zombies,’ forcing them out of their secluded habitats and into exposed areas where spores can be dispersed.
Gibellula attenboroughii is a species of fungus in the family Bionectriaceae.
It was discovered in 2011 in Australia and named after Sir David Attenborough, a renowned naturalist.
This rare fungal species grows on the stems of plants and has been found to have unique characteristics.
Gibellula attenboroughii produces small, white fruiting bodies that are typically 5-10 mm in diameter.
The fungus is considered endangered due to habitat loss and degradation.
The Zombie-Making Process
When a spore of Gibellula attenboroughii lands on a spider, it sinks into the arachnid’s body and begins to multiply. As the fungus consumes its host’s internal organs, the spider’s physical form is gradually taken over by the fungal mass. ‘If we cut through the infected spider, we don’t see any spider anymore,’ explains mycologist João Araújo of the Natural History Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen. ‘It’s just the fungal mass inside, which is the shape of the spider.‘
Fruiting Bodies and Spore Dispersal
To aid in the spread of its spores, Gibellula attenboroughii produces fruiting bodies that resemble lollipops. These structures emerge from the infected spiders’ bodies and play a crucial role in dispersing the fungus to new hosts.
Fungi reproduce through various methods, including sexual and asexual means.
Asexual reproduction involves the production of spores, such as conidia and ascospores, which can grow into new individuals.
Sexual reproduction occurs through the fusion of nuclei from two parent organisms, resulting in the formation of zygotes.
Some fungi, like mushrooms, produce basidiospores for sexual reproduction.
Fungal reproduction is essential for their survival and spread, allowing them to colonize new environments.
Unique Characteristics and Practical Applications
Gibellula attenboroughii is part of the Gibellula genus, which consists of fungi that specialize in infecting spiders. This particular species occupies a unique niche, as it has been found to infect cave spiders, including the Meta menardi species. Researchers believe that the fungus drives its hosts out of their hiding spots and into areas with better airflow, where spores can be more easily dispersed.
Gibellula is a genus of fungi within the family Bionectriaceae.
These fungal parasites infect various insects, particularly beetles and flies.
Gibellula species are known to produce conidial heads with stalked sporodochia, containing numerous conidia.
The genus was first described by American mycologist George Francis Atkinson in 1902.
Gibellula is often found in soil, where it can infect insects that come into contact with the fungal spores.
The study of this fascinating fungus has significant practical applications, particularly in pest control and medicine. For instance, a drug called cyclosporine, which is derived from a zombifying fungus, helps prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. Further research on fungal species like Gibellula attenboroughii could lead to breakthroughs in fields such as agriculture and medicine.
A Glimpse into the Future of Fungal Research
As scientists continue to study this enigmatic fungus, they may uncover new insights into the complex relationships between parasites and their hosts. By building a comprehensive knowledge base of fungal species, researchers can identify potential applications for these organisms in fields such as pest control and medicine. As João Araújo notes, ‘Maybe today, there’s not an immediate application. But maybe someday, after all these pieces are put together, we can figure out something bigger.‘
- sciencenews.org | A fungus named after Sir David Attenborough zombifies cave spiders
