Scientists discover two new species of fungi that turn flies into ‘zombies’

There are many types of fungi that invade insects in order to reproduce, but most kill the host and then release spores. Two new species of fungi discovered in Denmark consume their indoor fly hosts, but keep them alive as long as possible to walk or fly while the fungus shoots spores from the fly’s abdomen over a larger area than they could from a dead fly, which also puts them in contact with new victims. A study from the University of Copenhagen identifies these new fungi as Strongwellsea tigrinae and Strongwellsea acerosa.

The unusual tactic of keeping the host alive while releasing spores is called active host transmission (AHT). It is an effective way to gain access to other healthy people. Scientists believe that fungi could produce substances that “spike” their hosts (sometimes commonly referred to as “zombies”), meaning they can stay cool enough to live for days after infection – only collapsing. ‘once there is nothing left in their abdomen but the fungus.

“We therefore suspect that these fungi can produce amphetamine-like substances that keep a fly’s energy levels high until the end,” said lead researcher Professor Jørgen Eilenberg from the Department of plant and environmental sciences from the University of Copenhagen. The researchers also believe that the fungi produce substances that repel microorganisms from the fly’s fungal wound and keep it clean, but they have not yet tested this.

While we don’t know which insect species is depicted, we can imagine the victim might look (warning: disturbing) something like this. Learn more about the new discoveries at The Guardian.

[via Damn Interesting]