In a remarkable new study published in the journal Fungal Systematics and Evolution, Dr. Harry Evans, Emeritus Fellow at CAB International, led an international team of scientists, including experts from the Natural History Museum of Denmark and the Royal Botanical Gardens Kew, to explore the identity of a novel fungus found on a spider during the filming of the BBC’s Winterwatch series in Northern Ireland. This collaborative effort resulted in the discovery of a new species of fungus, named Gibellula attenboroughii, in honor of Sir David Attenborough, the legendary broadcaster and natural historian.
The fungus was first spotted during a segment of Winterwatch, a long-running BBC program renowned for its focus on natural history. It was found on an orb-weaving spider, a species known for weaving intricate webs, in a remote part of Northern Ireland, sparking the curiosity of the team of scientists who worked tirelessly to investigate this unusual phenomenon.
The Discovery of Gibellula attenboroughii
The scientists employed both morphological and molecular evidence to confirm the identity of the fungus, which was determined to be a completely new species. Their findings not only shed light on a previously unknown organism but also highlighted the unique ecological role the fungus plays in its environment.
The fungus, which was initially found on the spider’s body during filming, is now officially named Gibellula attenboroughii in recognition of Sir David Attenborough’s profound influence on the field of natural history and his pivotal role in the development of the BBC’s Natural History Unit. Attenborough, whose work as the controller of BBC 2 helped establish the framework for many of the broadcaster’s most famous nature programs, indirectly led to the very series during which the new species was discovered.
The name of the species itself—Gibellula attenboroughii—recognizes Attenborough’s contribution to natural history broadcasting, which has inspired generations of scientists and nature enthusiasts alike.
The Spider Host: Metellina merianae
The next step in the investigation involved identifying the host spider that had fallen victim to the fungus. The spider species was determined to be the orb-weaving cave spider (Metellina merianae), which belongs to the family Tetragnathidae. This species of spider is known for its web-building habits, typically found in dark, secluded environments such as caves.
With the help of a local speleologist, the research team was able to find additional specimens of Gibellula attenboroughii across various cave systems in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. These new samples were not only found on Metellina merianae but also on a related species, Meta menardi, further expanding the known range of the fungus and offering new insights into its ecological niche.
Interestingly, both spider species were found to occupy different ecological niches within these caves, which suggests that the fungus might have a broader impact on spider populations across different habitats.
Fungal Manipulation of Spider Behavior: A ‘Zombie’ Effect
What makes Gibellula attenboroughii particularly fascinating is its ability to manipulate the behavior of its spider host. The infected spiders, much like ants infected by the infamous Ophiocordyceps fungi, demonstrated an unusual behavior: they would leave their webs or lairs and migrate to more exposed areas, often climbing to the roof or walls of caves. These spiders, previously reclusive in their normal habitats, were essentially driven to an early death in open spaces—positioned on ceilings or walls of the cave—where they would become ideal hosts for the fungus to spread its spores.
This phenomenon mirrors the behavior of zombie-ant fungi in the Amazon rainforest, where the Ophiocordyceps fungi manipulate their ant hosts in a similar way, driving them to climb vegetation and eventually attaching to it, providing a perfect location for the fungus’s spores to be dispersed. The term “zombie-ant fungus” has since been coined to describe this behavior, capturing the essence of how the fungus can control the host’s actions.
The study of Gibellula attenboroughii offers a fresh perspective on the behavior-altering effects of parasitic fungi. In particular, the team of researchers suggests that similar mechanisms, such as the production of behavioral-changing metabolites, might be at play. The manipulation of the spider’s actions mirrors that seen in zombie-ant fungi, where certain metabolites, including dopamine, have been identified as potential agents influencing host behavior.
Historical Insights and Widespread Epidemics
The study didn’t stop with the discovery of this new species. Through historical herbarium records and literature searches, the researchers uncovered a hidden diversity within the Gibellula genus in the British Isles, suggesting that this type of parasitic fungus may have been more widespread than previously thought. The researchers also uncovered evidence of past disease epidemics impacting spider populations, particularly in Norfolk and Wales, where outbreaks of fungal infection had caused significant disruption to local spider populations.
These findings provide important new insights into the role of fungi like Gibellula attenboroughii in shaping the dynamics of spider populations, especially in cave ecosystems where spiders face unique environmental pressures.
Further Research and Ecological Implications
The discovery of Gibellula attenboroughii opens up numerous avenues for further research, particularly regarding the ecological role of this parasitic fungus in cave ecosystems. The manipulation of host behavior to favor the dispersal of fungal spores offers a unique example of how fungi can evolve to exploit highly specific ecological niches. Further study is needed to fully understand the implications of such parasitic relationships on spider population dynamics and how these fungi could potentially interact with other organisms in cave environments.
Additionally, the metabolites produced by the fungus, which are thought to play a role in influencing the behavior of their hosts, warrant further investigation. Identifying these compounds and understanding their biochemical properties could reveal new insights into the biochemistry of parasitism and how organisms can evolve to manipulate the behavior of others for their own survival.
The discovery of Gibellula attenboroughii also raises the question of how many more undiscovered fungal species may be lurking in similarly underexplored ecosystems around the world. The role of fungi in ecosystems, particularly in the regulation of populations of insects and arachnids, remains a field of significant potential for future ecological and evolutionary research.
Cultural Impact and Popularization of Fungal Research
The phenomenon of zombie fungi, especially as popularized by media such as the video game The Last of Us, has captured the public’s imagination, making it a well-known example of parasitism in nature. The new species of fungus, Gibellula attenboroughii, adds to this growing cultural narrative surrounding parasitic fungi, adding a new chapter to the story of how these organisms influence the natural world in often eerie and unexpected ways.
The work of Dr. Harry Evans and his colleagues not only uncovers an exciting new species but also deepens our understanding of the complex relationships that exist in the natural world—relationships that are often hidden from plain sight but can have profound effects on the environment.
Conclusion
The discovery of Gibellula attenboroughii highlights the importance of scientific collaboration and fieldwork in uncovering hidden wonders of the natural world. Named in honor of Sir David Attenborough, this new species of fungus reveals the complex parasitic relationships that shape ecosystems, particularly in cave environments. By manipulating the behavior of its spider host, the fungus mirrors the “zombie-ant” phenomena, showcasing the fascinating ways fungi influence their hosts to disperse spores. This discovery not only expands our understanding of fungal biodiversity in the British Isles but also raises important questions about the ecological role of parasitic fungi and the potential for future research into their biochemical properties. The work exemplifies how, through dedication and cross-disciplinary efforts, scientists continue to make groundbreaking discoveries that deepen our knowledge of life on Earth, while also celebrating Attenborough’s legacy in inspiring global interest in the natural world.
Reference: H.C. Evans et al, The araneopathogenic genus Gibellula (Cordycipitaceae: Hypocreales) in the British Isles, including a new zombie species on orb-weaving cave spiders (Metainae: Tetragnathidae), Fungal Systematics and Evolution (2025). DOI: 10.3114/fuse.2025.15.07