The Fungus That Turns Healthy Flies into Zombie Flies
In the world of insects, a terrifying phenomenon is caused by a type of fungus that takes control of flies and turns them into "zombies." This fungus, from the Entomophthora genus, infects the flies, manipulating their behavior before eventually killing them. The way this fungus works is both fascinating and gruesome, showcasing the strange power of nature. Scientists have been studying this fungus, analyzing its DNA, which is much larger than most other fungi.
When a fly comes into contact with fungal spores, the spores stick to the fly's body and begin to grow. The fungus penetrates the outer layer of the fly and invades its internal systems, slowly spreading through its body. The fungus doesn't kill the fly right away, though. Instead, it hijacks the fly's brain and nervous system, altering the fly's behavior in ways that benefit the fungus.
As the fungus grows, it releases chemicals that manipulate the fly's actions. Infected flies start to act strangely, climbing to high places like the tops of plants or trees. This behavior is known as "summit disease." It ensures that when the fly dies, the fungus can spread its spores over a wide area, increasing the chances of infecting other flies. Essentially, the fly becomes a puppet controlled by the fungus, moving in ways that help the fungus complete its life cycle.
Once the fly reaches a high point, the fungus forces the fly to latch onto a surface and die. The fly's body then becomes a launchpad for the fungus to release new spores into the environment. These spores are dispersed by the wind, ready to infect more flies and start the cycle all over again. Healthy flies will also mate with the dead or dying infected flies, also spreading the fungus. It's a chilling example of how some organisms have evolved to take over others for survival.
Scientists are studying fungi like Entomophthora to understand how they can manipulate insect behavior so effectively. These fungi may hold secrets that could lead to new methods of pest control or provide insights into how similar pathogens affect other species. While it might sound like something out of a horror movie, this is just one of the many strange and remarkable ways nature operates.
For more in-depth information, refer to the detailed studies available at eLife in this article and this article.
