26/12/2024
Tarantula killed by parasitic fungi in the rainforest near the Tambopata River, Peru (March 2022). The “zombie fungus” has become famous because of the popular videogames and TV show The Last of Us.
During my stay at Fauna Forever and Wilderness International (feel free to follow), I went on numerous night hikes, and this discovery was among the most spectacular, thanks to the sharp eyes of Chris Ketola.
In the Amazon, insects and spiders are often hijacked by parasitic fungi that control their every move. This particular tarantula fell victim to a mind-controlling fungus known as Tarantula cordyceps (Cordyceps caloceroides). The fungus infects spiders through spores that attach to and pe*****te the body, gradually taking control of the host’s behavior.
As the infection progresses, the “mind-controlled” spider is compelled to move to a microclimate favorable for the fungus’s growth. Meanwhile, the fungus feeds on the spider’s innards until the final stage of its life cycle. At this point, the spider moves to a specific location where it dies slowly.
Several days after the spider dies, the fungus’s fruiting bodies, or mushrooms, emerge from its shriveled co**se, turning it into a launchpad from which the spores can spread. These spores travel widely and infect new spiders.
This photo made it into the top 10 of its category in the Nature Photographer Of The Year contest and was nominated for the People’s Choice Award. Unfortunately, the photo didn’t get enough votes to be awarded. I want to congratulate all the awarded photographers!
© 2024 Ronald Zimmerman. All rights reserved.
https://ronaldzimmerman.myportfolio.com
