Zombie-ant fungus found to thrive in mosses
New DNA analysis reveals the parasitic Cordyceps fungus, known for controlling ants, also lives within mosses. This suggests a second life stage aiding survival when insect hosts are scarce.
Parasitic fungi in the Cordyceps genus, famous for turning insects into zombie-like hosts, are a subject of scientific interest for understanding disease mechanisms. The fungus gained popular culture recognition through "The Last of Us" video game and its TV adaptation.
A recent study published in IMA Fungus used DNA analysis to detect the same fungus in both infected insects and surrounding mosses. This finding indicates that the fungus has a second life stage where it resides within mosses.
Researchers propose this could be an evolutionary adaptation allowing the fungus to survive periods when insect hosts are less available. It might also explain why infected insects tend to bite into mosses during their final moments.
There are over 400 species of Cordyceps fungi, each targeting specific insects like ants or cockroaches. Spores attach to the insect and germinate, spreading through the body via thread-like structures called mycelia. The fungus then manipulates the host to climb a plant and bite down, facilitating spore dispersal.