Which insect can be "zombified" by the pathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis?

I know it is only an ant, but I find it upsetting that they die in this way.

That's... horrific! 🥵

Haven't they found something similar in the UK in caves that does it to spiders? It's fascinating but obviously horrific for the poor creatures.

nature is cruel and gross

granny nancy, And in many other ways. I heard of a type of spider which produces just one batch of offspring, watches over and defends it, and when they are ready to eat she lies back and lets them completely devour her. Shortly after I heard of a type of octopus that does just the same.

I do not think it is only ants. A TV programme about New Zealand airport inspections showed a Chinese family who were trying to smuggle in Birds Nest, and Cordyceps which was described as a parasitic fungus found infesting a caterpillar. Both incredibly expensive ( thousands of dollars) but banned in NZ. They claimed they were for Chinese medicine.

Just like in the HBO Max Show, The Last of Us. I feel so sorry for those poor ants. No creature deserves to die like this.

granny nancy, but necessary to maintain balance as it was meant to be

"The girl with all the gifts" is another movie which does this quite well. Also terrifying.

Tatiana, what makes you think God is trying to not "take responsibility" for this?

Blinky, I'm hoping that the 'zombified' state makes them numb to the pain but still an awful way to go :(

Creepy- don’t read before going to sleep!

granny nancy, humanity is worse

The HBO series “The Last of Us) based on the Game, it’s premise is just this. Now that’s scary‼️

Nature is designed to balance the its self. These creatures are here for the purpose they serve. We don't like them, ants I mean can be very annoying, especially the fire ants. making up hill like mounds in your yard. one ant got on me a bit my finger,It hurt real bad, I put first aid creme on it, not without swelling and itching.

Thank you The Last of Us for bringing this to light.

Fredrico, there are less letters in "a bee" than "an ant"

I assume that we’re talking here about THE Alfred Russel Wallace, who independently came up with the Theory of Evolution, although Charles Darwin is the name we usually attribute to this theory.

The others fly and fungi grow in the ground.