A parasitic fungus turns ants into zombies it spreads throughout their body and slowly takes over its behavior

A Parasitic Fungus Turns Ants into ‘Zombies’: Spreading throughout their Body to Take Over Behavior

Have you ever heard of a parasite that turns its host into a mind-controlled “zombie”? It may sound like a plot from a sci-fi movie, but in the natural world, such phenomenon exists. A parasitic fungus known as Cordyceps has a chilling ability to infect ants, taking over their bodies and manipulating their behavior.

Cordyceps is a type of fungus that belongs to the family Ophiocordyceps. It has a fascinating life cycle that relies on using ants as a host. The process begins when a spore of the fungus lands on an unsuspecting ant and attaches itself to the insect’s exoskeleton, usually through small spines.

From this point, the fungal spore starts to infiltrate the ant’s body, entering through the spiracles, which are the insect’s respiratory openings. The fungus then begins to multiply and spread throughout the ant’s body, eventually reaching its brain. As the fungus grows, it releases chemicals that manipulate the ant’s behavior, turning it into a zombie slave.

Once infected, the ant undergoes a dramatic transformation. Instead of following its usual routines and instincts, the manipulated ant becomes erratic and controlled by the fungus. It is compelled to leave its colony and ascend to a high location, usually on the underside of a leaf or twig. This behavior benefits the fungus, as it needs an elevated position to release its spores and infect new ants.

The ant’s mandibles lock onto the leaf or twig, effectively “gluing” it in place. The fungus continues to grow, consuming the ant from the inside out until it eventually bursts through the exoskeleton. With the parasite exposed to the environment, it releases its spores, which are then carried by the wind to infect more unsuspecting ants, continuing the cycle.

This bizarre behavior of Cordyceps has been observed in various ant species all around the world. The process of controlling the ants’ behavior to ensure the spread of the fungus demonstrates a remarkable adaptation strategy employed by the parasite. It also serves as a reminder of the intricate and often gruesome intricacies of the natural world.

In conclusion, Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that possesses the extraordinary ability to transform ants into “zombies.” Its method of infecting and manipulating ants’ behavior is nothing short of fascinating and has been extensively documented by scientists. This information serves as a reminder of the wonders and complexities of the natural world, where even the most bizarre phenomena exist.