New Fungus Turns Irish Spiders into Zombies

A new species of fungus, Gibellula attenboroughii, has been discovered infecting cave spiders in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, manipulating their behavior to facilitate spore dispersal. Named in honor of Sir David Attenborough, the fungus was identified during the filming of BBC's Winterwatch and targets spiders such as the orb-weaving cave spider (Metellina merianae), causing them to leave their webs and move to exposed areas. This behavior, similar to that caused by the 'zombie-ant' fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, aids in maximizing spore distribution by exposing spiders to airflow. Documented in various caves and abandoned storerooms, the discovery underscores the complex interplay between fungi and their hosts. The altered behavior of the spiders highlights potential ecological impacts, warranting further research.