A rare image has captured the moment a huge spider is "defeated" and engulfed by a parasitic fungus, with spores bursting from the arachnid’s back, legs, and head. This striking photo, named runner-up in the Plants and Fungi category of the BMC Ecology and Evolution photography competition, offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of zombie fungi. While instances of parasites bursting from the bodies of dead arachnids have been recorded across the globe, it is a rarity to witness large spiders succumbing to these fungal conquerors. The image, taken by evolutionary biologist Roberto García-Roa, showcases a conquest shaped by thousands of years of evolution in the jungle near a stream.

The BMC Ecology and Evolution photography competition invites researchers from around the world to submit images that capture the natural world. This year’s winning entry in the Plants and Fungi category portrays an ant that had been taken over by a zombie fungus, which was, in turn, parasitized by another fungus. Ophiocordyceps, a genus of parasitic fungi known for its ability to turn ants into zombies, controls their bodies before ultimately killing them. The photograph serves as a reminder of the intricate relationships and battles that unfold within the forests where these fungi inhabit, including the presence of mycoparasitic fungal lineages that can parasitize, consume, and even castrate Ophiocordyceps.

Rare Image Captures Spider Defeated by Parasitic Fungus

A captivating photograph from the BMC Ecology and Evolution photography competition has captured the moment a large spider is engulfed by a parasitic fungus, with spores bursting from its body. The image, taken by evolutionary biologist Roberto García-Roa, was named runner-up in the Plants and Fungi category. This rare event showcases the power of nature and the fascinating interactions between different organisms.

Spiders as Hosts for Parasitic Fungi

While it is not uncommon to find insects parasitized by "zombie" fungi in the wild, witnessing large spiders succumbing to these fungal conquerors is a rarity. Many species of fungus are known to parasitize spiders, with parasites bursting from the bodies of dead arachnids being observed worldwide. The specific species of spider and fungus in García-Roa’s image are unknown, but it is clear that the fungus has entered the spider’s body and taken control.

The Zombie Fungi and Their Mycoparasitic Predators

The winning entry in the Plants and Fungi category of the competition featured an ant that had been taken over by a zombie fungus called Ophiocordyceps. This genus of parasitic fungi is notorious for turning ants into zombies, manipulating their bodies before eventually killing them. Interestingly, this ant-zombie fungus was further parasitized by another fungus. The forests inhabited by these fungi also host mycoparasitic fungal lineages that can parasitize and consume Ophiocordyceps, creating a complex web of interactions within the fungal world.

Invasive Orange Pore Fungus Threatens Biodiversity

The overall winner of the competition was an image of the invasive orange pore fungus (Favolaschia calocera). Initially identified in Madagascar, this species has spread across the world, including the Australian rainforest where the photograph was taken. Despite its innocent and beautiful appearance, this fungus is displacing other fungi and spreading rapidly. The spores of the orange pore fungus are often transported by humans, emphasizing the importance of closely monitoring its spread to protect the biodiversity of Australia.

In conclusion, the BMC Ecology and Evolution photography competition has provided a glimpse into the fascinating world of parasitic fungi and their interactions with other organisms. The images capture the power, beauty, and sometimes eerie nature of these relationships. From spiders succumbing to fungal conquerors to ants becoming zombies, these photographs remind us of the intricate and complex web of life that exists in the natural world.

Takeaways:

• Parasitic fungi can infect and manipulate the behavior of various organisms, including spiders and ants.
• Fungi can be further parasitized by other fungi, creating a complex web of interactions within the fungal kingdom.
• Invasive fungi, such as the orange pore fungus, pose a threat to biodiversity and need to be closely monitored to prevent further spread.