Parasitic Fungus Zombifies Ants
The idea of a brain controlling parasitic fungus might sounds like an old X-Files plot, but its just another amazing example of nature at work. The fungus in question has a fascinating and slightly horrifying relation ship with Carpenter Ants. While scientists still are puzzled over just how the fungus controls the ants they have recently uncovered more details on the life cycle of the fungus.
The once infected with the ground dwelling fungus the normally tree dwelling ants are somehow compelled to make the journey to the forest floor. The cool, cool damp forest floor provides idea growing conditions for the fungus. To ensure that the it remains in its desired location the ant clamps its mandibles on a leaf until it is consumed by the fungus.
Now this is where it gets extra weird. The fungus slowly converts the ants insides to food, but leaves the muscles controlling the mandibles intact so the does not fall from the leaf. The Fungus even take advantage of the ants exoskeleton, using it as armor. Once it has consumed the ant it spreads to the leaf that that the ant was clinging too and the cycle starts over.
While this is not the only example in nature of organisms using others to complete various portions of their life cycles, it is one of the more bizarre. Imaging a fungus capable of compelling us to go out into the woods and plant ourselves in idea growing conditions.
Source: LiveScience
Tue, Nov 17, 2009
Science