The newfound species of zombie spider fungus, Gibellula attenboroughii, lures cave spiders out of their lairs before killing them, according to a recent study.

Fungi can be wonderful. Penicillium molds produce the antibiotic penicillin, which has saved untold lives by warding off ...

Researchers found that many Metellina merianae spiders across Ireland have become infected with the Gibellula attenboroughii fungi named after broadcasting legend David Attenborough.

Gibellula attenboroughii was found in an abandoned gunpowder storeroom.

A spider infected with the fungus Gibellula attenboroughii on the ceiling of a White Fathers’ cave in County Cavan, Ireland. Tim Fogg ...

The new fungus species Gibellula attenboroughii forces reclusive cave spiders to exposed areas, likely to benefit spore dispersal.

The Gibellula attenboroughii in the gunpowder store was on a dead orb-weaving cave spider, the Metellina merianae.

Gibellula attenboroughii on Metallina merianae on cave ceiling, Tullybelcoo Ground Bridge, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Credit: Fungal Systematics and Evolution (2025).

The study authors report that spores from Gibellula attenboroughii can change the spiders’ behavior. The hosts dwell in dark, damp habitats but appear to relocate to open areas to die when infected.

The newly discovered species, named Gibellula attenboroughii, acts in a similar way as the zombie ant fungus, seemingly manipulating its prey to move to a more suitable spot for the fungus to ...