Newly Discovered Fungus Turns Cave Spiders into 8-Legged Zombies

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2021 saw a BBC documentary team in Northern Ireland stumble upon a deceased spider, carrying an unknown type of fungus, on the roof of a deserted gunpowder warehouse. They snapped a few photos for examination, which later revealed that the fungus was entirely novel to science. Since this discovery, the same fungus has been found in several cave spiders from the region, transforming them into fungus-infested zombies prior to their demise. The specifics of this fascinating find have now been shared in the journal Fungal Systematics and Evolution.

The recently uncovered fungus bears resemblance to the well-known Ophiocordyceps, often referred to as the zombie ant fungus. Unlike its counterpart, however, this fungus originates from a family that primarily targets spiders. To date, it has been identified on two species of orb-weaving spiders: Metellina merianae and Meta menardi (as shown below).

Gibellula attenboroughii, the cave spider zombie fungus

A recently found fungal species, referred to as Gibellula attenboroughii in honor of renowned naturalist David Attenborough, transforms common cave spiders into a sight reminiscent of Dia de los Muertos (currently airing on SYFY). This fungus compels the usually shy cave spiders out of their webs and towards the entrance of the cave. In a bizarre twist, the fungus then produces lethal spores directly from the bodies of these spiders.

Generally speaking, orb-weaver spiders that live in caves usually remain concealed close to or within their silk nets. They’re particularly adept at navigating within these webs but struggle when moving across land or cave walls. Once they get infected with a certain fungus, it causes them to behave differently, prompting them to leave their webs and approach the cave entrance instead. As of now, scientists are still exploring the specifics, and they don’t yet fully grasp how the fungus is causing this alteration in behavior.

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When a fungal spore alights on a spider, it penetrates its body and starts reproducing, gradually overtaking the spider’s internal organs and structures. By the end, most of the spider’s interior has been transformed into a fungus-filled replica of the spider. The climax of this gruesome process is when fruiting bodies sprout from the spider’s exoskeleton to scatter spores in search of new hosts.

Although the exact connection between G. attenboroughii and cave spiders remains a mystery, researchers believe that enhanced ventilation at the cave entrance may aid in spore dissemination. This could appear ominous for these arachnids, but there’s likely no cause for concern for them or us. The fungus is novel, yet it has coexisted with these spiders for eons, and it probably plays a role in maintaining spider populations at a balanced level.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that this fungus does not transmit from spiders to humans. Instead, these types of fungi primarily target specific animal species or groups, including spiders under certain circumstances. It is highly unlikely for the fungus to adapt to human bodies given the vast differences between our physiologies, making it an evolutionary long shot at best. For any zombie-themed desires, we suggest turning to TV shows and movies instead.

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2025-02-19 00:01