# A Mysterious Parasitic Fungus is Spreading in Ireland, Turning Spiders into Zombies

> Scientists in Europe have discovered Gibellula attenboroughii, a fungus that turns cave spiders into "zombies" by manipulating their behavior. Found in Northern Ireland and Ireland, it forces spiders to leave their webs…

Published: 2026-09-15 · Desk: Latest · Source: CNN

Scientists in Europe have discovered a new species of fungus called Gibellula attenboroughii, which turns cave spiders into "zombies." The fungus manipulates the spiders to leave their webs and position themselves in an exposed area before dying, which helps the fungus spread its spores. This discovery was made in Northern Ireland and Ireland, where the infected spiders were found in caves. The behavior of this fungus is similar to the well-known zombie ant fungus, which also controls the actions of its host.

Researchers are still unsure how the fungus affects the spider's brain to cause this behavioral change. While the ecological impact of the fungus remains uncertain, it’s clear that this parasitic behavior is not harmful to humans. The fungus specifically infects spiders, and there is no risk of it jumping to humans. This discovery opens the door for further research into animal-controlling fungi and their potential applications.

The new species is part of a larger group of fungi that infects spiders, and this research may also have broader implications in medicine. Dr. João Araújo, one of the researchers, suggests that understanding how fungi can control the behavior of animals might lead to breakthroughs in treating brain diseases like Alzheimer's. The discovery highlights the diverse and complex world of fungi, much of which remains unexplored.

Original reporting: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/14/science/zombie-spider-fungus-caves-gibellula/index.html
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