A new mushroom that turns spiders into “zombies”? It can be found in caves
Scientists have discovered a fungal species that can infect spiders and control their behavior. He usually pulls them out of hideouts and leads to their death.
In caves throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland, you can come across a unique species of fungus. GibBellula Attenboroughii – named after the British naturalist Sir David Attenborough – this is another on the growing list of parasitic fungi that can control their host.
Mushrooms that control the behavior of spiders
The discovery prompts you to think about asking whether mushrooms will be able to influence animal behavior and what consequences of mind control mechanisms can have.
Scientists have learned that GibBellula Attenboroughii inferes weaving Merianae weaving cave networks. Then he changes resolutions of typical loneliness behavior and leads them to more exposed places. This increases the possibility of spreading infection, but also affects the chance of death of a spider.
Researchers suspect that the fungus produces metabolites such as dopamine, which can change the behavior of the host’s body by influencing its nervous system. Similar ingredients could be found in other mushrooms, which in turn changed the behavior of insects.
Dr Harry Evans, one of the scientists involved in the latest research, explained the cause of manipulation of spider behavior. The goal was to maximize the area where the spores are scattered and, as a consequence, to ensure the continuation of the infectious cycle. A similar effect was noticed in the mushroom Ophiocordyps, which influenced ants in rainforests. Mention should also be mentioned about Entomophthora Muscae, infecting the homemade flies.
“The Last of Us” is an impossible scenario?
The most important question, which is asked not only by “The Last of Us” fans, of course, applies to the possibility of controlling animals and in particular people. Researchers believe that although there are species producing psychoactive substances, none can control human behavior as in the case of insects or spiders.
Epidemiologist Tara C. Smith believes that the thoroughly examined Ophiocordypsy is strongly specialized and has evolved in such a way as to infect a specific species of insects. Therefore, it is not a risk for people. Her assurances in this matter can be found in the pages of “Quanta Magazine”. So we can be calm, the script from “The Last of Us” is unlikely to threaten us. At least not from the species of fungi known to us.
