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Homescience

Zombie fungus: The weird fungus that can take over insects’ brains

Explore the strange world of the zombie fungus, Ophiocordyceps, which invades insects and manipulates their behaviour.

Sheetal Kumari | February 10, 2025 / 12:49 IST
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Mind-controlling fungus: A strange fungus, Ophiocordyceps, infects insects and takes over their brains. It forces them to behave in ways that help the fungus spread. (Image: V@KieranSuckling/X)
Mind-controlling fungus: A strange fungus, Ophiocordyceps, infects insects and takes over their brains. It forces them to behave in ways that help the fungus spread. (Image: V@KieranSuckling/X)
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How infection begins: The fungus spreads through spores that attach to an insect’s body. Once inside, it grows and takes control of the host’s nervous system. (Image: @_Westerdijk_/X)
How infection begins: The fungus spreads through spores that attach to an insect’s body. Once inside, it grows and takes control of the host’s nervous system. (Image: @_Westerdijk_/X)
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Turning insects into zombies: Infected insects lose control of their movements. The fungus manipulates them to climb high, securing the perfect spot for spore release. (Image: @KewScience/X)
Turning insects into zombies: Infected insects lose control of their movements. The fungus manipulates them to climb high, securing the perfect spot for spore release. (Image: @KewScience/X)
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Death grip effect: Before dying, the host insect clamps onto a plant in a "death grip." This ensures the fungus gets the best position to spread. (Image: Steve Backshall)
Death grip effect: Before dying, the host insect clamps onto a plant in a "death grip." This ensures the fungus gets the best position to spread. (Image: Steve Backshall)
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Fungus bursts out: After the host dies, the fungus grows out of its body. It releases spores, infecting more insects and continuing the deadly cycle. (Image: Steve Backshall)
Fungus bursts out: After the host dies, the fungus grows out of its body. It releases spores, infecting more insects and continuing the deadly cycle. (Image: Steve Backshall)
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Common victims: Ants are the most well-known victims, but the fungus also infects spiders, beetles, and other insects in tropical forests. (Image: @KieranSuckling/X)
Common victims: Ants are the most well-known victims, but the fungus also infects spiders, beetles, and other insects in tropical forests. (Image: @KieranSuckling/X)
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Real-life horror story: This zombie fungus inspired the popular TV show The Last of Us, where a similar infection threatens humans in a fictional world. (Image: Steve Backshall)
Real-life horror story: This zombie fungus inspired the popular TV show The Last of Us, where a similar infection threatens humans in a fictional world. (Image: Steve Backshall)
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Fungus in medicine: Some Ophiocordyceps species are used in traditional medicine. They may have health benefits, including boosting energy and immunity. (Image: @BUNKlNS/X)
Fungus in medicine: Some Ophiocordyceps species are used in traditional medicine. They may have health benefits, including boosting energy and immunity. (Image: @BUNKlNS/X)
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Scientists studying fungus: Researchers are studying how the fungus controls insects. Understanding this could lead to medical breakthroughs in treating neurological disorders. (Image: @BUNKlNS/X)
Scientists studying fungus: Researchers are studying how the fungus controls insects. Understanding this could lead to medical breakthroughs in treating neurological disorders. (Image: @BUNKlNS/X)
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Nature’s creepy masterpiece: The zombie fungus is one of nature’s strangest parasites. It turns insects into mindless hosts, proving how bizarre and powerful fungi can be. (Image: @erincpow/X)
Nature’s creepy masterpiece: The zombie fungus is one of nature’s strangest parasites. It turns insects into mindless hosts, proving how bizarre and powerful fungi can be. (Image: @erincpow/X)

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