Scientists have identified a new species of parasitic fungus that turns cave-dwelling spiders into ‘zombies’ before killing them.
First spotted during the filming of BBC’s Winterwatch in 2021, the fungus, Gibellula attenboroughii, was named in honour of Sir David Attenborough.
The amazing discovery sheds light on the hidden world of fungi and its impact on spider populations.
How was the fungus discovered?
Led by Dr Harry Evans, Emeritus Fellow at CAB International, the research team included scientists from the Natural History Museum of Denmark and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Their study, published in Fungal Systematics and Evolution, confirms that the fungus, which infects and ultimately kills spiders, represents a newly identified species, based on both its molecular and morphological characteristics.
The infected host was revealed to be the orb-weaving cave spider (Metellina merianae), with further specimens found in cave systems across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Interestingly, a related species, Meta menardi, was also found to be infected, suggesting that the fungus preys on multiple cave-dwelling spiders.
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What happens to the spiders when infected?
The behaviour of the infected spiders mirrors that of so-called 'zombie ants’ seen in the Brazilian rainforest. These ants, manipulated by the Ophiocordyceps fungus, abandon their nests and die in exposed locations, where the fungus then releases spores to infect new hosts.
In the case of Gibellula attenboroughii, affected spiders were found clinging to cave walls and ceilings, having abandoned their usual lairs or webs before succumbing to the infection.
The study also uncovered historical evidence of fungal epidemics affecting spider populations in Norfolk and Wales. This raises intriguing questions about the role of these fungi in regulating spider populations and their potential use of mind-altering compounds to manipulate their hosts, say the authors of the study. Previous research into 'zombie-ant fungi’ has identified chemicals such as dopamine playing a role in behavioural changes.
Scientists now aim to investigate whether Gibellula attenboroughii produces similar behaviour-altering compounds and how it might influence spider populations in the long term.
Main image: The new fungus Gibellula attenboroughii on the orb-weaving cave spider/CABI
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