Story perspectives
Fungus Alters Spider Behavior, Leads to Death
8/22/2025
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Story summary
- Gibellula attenboroughii is a fungus that consumes spider organs and alters their behavior.
- It changes the spider's brain chemistry, prompting it to leave its web and die.
- The fungus then produces fruiting bodies to release spores.
- Infected spiders have been reported in the US, UK, and Czech Republic.
- The fungus was first identified in Ireland and named after David Attenborough.
