In Brazil, scientists discovered a fungus that infects its victim, producing a purple sap from its head. The parasite feeds on fungi, spiders, and ants, turning them into zombies.
The lethal fungus Purpureocillium lives at the expense of the hosts where it inserts its spores. Fungal tissue penetrates the victim’s body and spreads in the form of yeast-like cells.
Fungal infection forces the insect to look for a dark place; here then a fruiting body emerges from the victim’s head. Interestingly, the cordyceps fungus’ immune system allows it to remain uninfected.
Insects infected with the parasitic fungus develop a bright purple body, which is the parasite’s ultimate goal for further prosperity. Scientists believe this mechanism developed 45 million years ago, when the fungus first infected ants.
As biologists explain, fungi belonging to this family have been found in various parts of the world, including Japan and parts of Africa. Source
Source: Port Altele
