Newly Discovered Fungus Turns Irish Cave Spiders Into 'Zombies'

Gibellula attenboroughii, named after David Attenborough, manipulates spider behavior to spread spores and has been found across caves in Ireland.

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.