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A researcher in the Amazon stumbled upon a dead tarantula infected with a 'zombie fungus'. Photo and video 18+
"Zombie mushroom" controls the brain of the infected and eats it from the inside out. Source: dailymail.co.uk
A field researcher working in the Peruvian Amazon came across a dead tarantula. After taking a closer look at the spider, the expert noticed that it was infected with a "zombie fungus" and filmed the nightmarish sight on video.
It has been scientifically confirmed that the zombie fungus, officially known as Codryceps, takes control of its host's mind and motor functions before eating its body and sprouting from within. This is what this monster did to the tarantula, writes the DailyMail.
"Tonight our research team found a truly horrific but also incredible thing," said wildlife researcher Chris Ketola, who posted the video on his Instagram page.
Each species of cordyceps infects a different type of invertebrate. The type that targets spiders is rare. According to Chris Ketol, this was only the third zombie fungus-infected tarantula he had ever seen.
When a spider becomes infected with Codryceps, the fungus begins to feed on the tarantula from the inside out. The parasite then fills the host's body with spores that allow the fungus to multiply. Next, the "zombie plant" enters the spider's mind.
"It took over the spider's nervous system. And when it died, the fungus came out of its body, allowing the spores to spread," Ketola explained.
According to the expert, the cordyceps spores cause the insect to move to a higher location where there is more sunlight and heat, which creates the perfect conditions for the fungus to multiply.
When the host finally dies, the fungus bursts out of its body and releases more spores that infect even more living creatures.
Scientists don't know exactly how cordyceps manages to take control of its host's mental and agile functions. But recent research has uncovered chemical signals from the fungus inside infected insects. Some of these signals, likely secreted proteins, may target the host's behavioral systems.
Each of these species of fungi is highly specialized, meaning that they have evolved to infect only a few select hosts. Fortunately, cordyceps cannot infect humans.
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