ZOMBIE FUNGUS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env & Eco/Sci and Tech)

Context: Wildlife researcher Chris Ketola recently shared a video capturing a tarantula infected by a zombie fungus, offering a rare glimpse into this eerie natural phenomenon.

Zombie Fungus

• About: The zombie fungus, Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, completely drains its host of nutrients.
• Spore Reproduction: It fills the host’s body with spores, enabling the fungus to reproduce.
• Mind Control: This fungus takes over the mind and motor functions of its host before consuming its body.
• Genus: Cordyceps is a genus of fungi that mainly attacks invertebrates, particularly insects like ants and spiders.
• Pantropical Distribution: The fungus is largely pantropical and predominantly infects carpenter ants.

Tarantulas

• Classification: Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders that belong to the family Theraphosidae.
• Global Distribution: With over 900 species, tarantulas are found worldwide except in Antarctica.
• Nocturnal Predators: They are slow-moving on their eight hairy legs but are effective nocturnal predators.
• Size and Length: Adult tarantulas typically reach a length of five inches (13 centimeters), with a leg span of up to 11 inches (28 centimeters) when fully spread out.

Fungus

It is a type of eukaryotic organism belonging to the kingdom Fungi, alongside plants, animals, protozoa, and monera. Fungi are incredibly diverse, with commonly encountered forms including yeast, molds, truffles, and mushrooms.