Ancient 'Zombie Fungus' Found in 99-Million-Year-Old Fossil

A remarkable discovery has been made in a 99-million-year-old piece of amber, revealing a fly with a 'zombie fungus' growing out of its head, alongside a young ant infected by a similar fungus. These ancient fungi likely controlled the insects’ behavior before killing them, and researchers believe they may have played a significant role in shaping life on Earth.

The fossils, studied by Chinese researchers using microscopes and 3D scans, provide rare insights into ancient relationships between fungi and insects. Lead author Yuhui Zhuang from Yunnan University noted that such finds are extremely rare, with only a few preserving the symbiotic relationship between fungi and insects.

These fungi, known as 'zombie-ant fungi,' can manipulate ants’ behavior to spread their spores. Scientists believe the fungus found in the fossilized ant could be an early form of today’s zombie-ant fungi, which control ants’ bodies before killing them. The discovery suggests that terrestrial ecosystems were already complex during the Cretaceous period, with fungi acting as 'predators' of insects, regulating certain populations.

The infected fly fossil is particularly rare, as flies are rarely affected by such fungi today. The fungus enters an ant’s body through a weak spot and reaches its brain, controlling its actions. Experts say these ancient parasitic fungi likely played a crucial role in controlling insect populations during the dinosaur era.

The amber fossil provides a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the intricate relationships between ancient species. However, experts note that even with such discoveries, we only see a tiny part of the full picture, with many hidden species and parasites remaining unknown.

According to the source: KalingaTV.