Named in Honour of Sir David Attenborough
According to a study revealed in Fungal Systematics and Evolution, the fungus has been named Gibellula attenboroughiiin recognition of British naturalist Sir David Attenborough. It was initially discovered on a lifeless orb-weaving cave spider, a species that sometimes resides in caves and darkish man-made constructions like cellars and outdated storerooms. Following this preliminary discovery, extra contaminated spiders have been positioned in caves throughout Ireland. The contaminated spiders have been noticed in open areas reasonably than hid inside their standard lairs, suggesting that the fungus influences their behaviour earlier than killing them.
How the Fungus Infects and Controls Spiders
Study lead creator Harry Evans, an emeritus fellow on the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), explained to Live Science that the fungus penetrates the spider’s physique, infecting its hemocoel—the cavity containing its blood-like fluid. Once inside, it secretes toxins to kill the host earlier than producing antibiotics that protect the corpse. When situations similar to humidity ranges are appropriate, the fungus grows constructions on the spider’s physique to launch spores into the air.
Potential for Medicinal Applications
Beyond its means to govern spiders, the fungus is being studied for potential medicinal properties. Evans famous that its antibiotic-producing capabilities may result in new medical discoveries. Scientists have extracted its DNA to verify that it’s a beforehand unidentified species. While it has solely been present in Ireland up to now, researchers suspect that related fungi could exist in different areas, together with Wales.
Hidden Diversity of Parasitic Fungi
The examine highlighted the probability of many extra undiscovered fungal species, significantly parasitic ones. Researchers estimate that the fungal kingdom may include as much as 20 million species, with solely a small fraction presently recognized. Initially, the brand new species was to be named Gibellula bangbangus, referencing the gunpowder retailer the place it was first discovered, however the resolution was later made to call it after Attenborough as a substitute.
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