Scientists discover parasite that preys on insect-killing "zombie fungus"
Summary
Scientists in Malaysia discovered a new parasitic fungus species that attacks "zombie fungus," which infects and kills insects. This new fungus was found in Borneo’s rainforest and feeds on the tissue of the zombie fungus inside infected ants.Key Facts
- The new fungus is called Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata and was found in Borneo’s Malaysian rainforests.
- It is a hyperparasite, meaning it parasitizes another parasite (the zombie fungus Ophiocordyceps).
- The zombie fungus controls ants’ behavior before killing them, and this new fungus feeds on the zombie fungus itself.
- The discovery was made by the University of Malaysia Sabah’s Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation.
- The research was published in scientific journals including the New Zealand Journal of Botany and Phytotaxa.
- Scientists also found a new spider-killing fungus during the same research trips.
- These fungi may help develop new antimicrobial medicines and tools to control pests in farming.
- Experts say these fungi cannot infect humans because of our body temperature and immune system.
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