During a 2021 BBC Winterwatch episode, researchers spotted a spider hanging from the ceiling of an abandoned gun powder store. It’s unusual to see a spider position itself in an exposed area before death, so the scientists decided to have a closer look.

The results, published in Fungal Systematics and Evolution, led to the identification of a new species of parasitic fungus — Gibellula attenbouroughii — named for David Attenborough, the voice of nature programs worldwide.

The fungus infects orb-weaving cave spiders in the British Isles, altering their behavior before death — comparable to the way Ophiocordyceps (zombie-ant fungus) manipulates its insect hosts. The Cordyceps fungi also inspired the fictional apocalyptic word of TV series and game “The Last of Us.”

The discovery enhances knowledge about fungi that infect insects and calls into question the ecological role and evolutionary history of unique pathogens like these.

Based on the diversity of Gibellula species in the area, the research also suggests that spider-infecting fungi might be more ample and widespread than previously known.

“The data unearthed during the herbarium and literature searches indicate that there is a hidden diversity in the British Isles and that many more species of Gibellula remain to be discovered,” the study says.

More: https://kustreview.com/its-not-alive/