Overview

• The fungus Gibellula attenboroughii infects cave-dwelling orb-weaver spiders, altering their behavior to leave their lairs and die in exposed locations.
• This behavioral change aids the fungus in dispersing its spores through air currents in cave systems, ensuring reproduction and spread.
• The fungus, discovered in 2021 during the filming of a BBC documentary, was officially classified as a new species in 2024 and named after Sir David Attenborough.
• Similar to the zombie-ant fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, it produces metabolites that manipulate the host’s actions but poses no threat to humans.
• Researchers suggest further studies to explore the fungus's metabolites and its potential hidden diversity within the British Isles.