Parasitic zombie-ant fungus thrives in mosses, too

Ars Technica reports that researchers have discovered the parasitic Cordyceps fungus—known for turning insects into zombie slaves—also thrives in moss tissue. The finding, revealed through DNA analysis and published in the journal IMA Fungus, suggests the pathogen may spend part of its life cycle inside the moss, possibly as an evolutionary adaptation when insect hosts are scarce. This discovery could explain why infected insects often bite into mosses during their final moments. The fungus itself is a remarkable manipulator: it spreads through a host's body with threadlike tendrils and compels the insect to climb to a high point, clamp its jaws around a plant, and die—ensuring the fungus can reach new hosts.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton