2 days ago · Found in caves across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Gibellula attenboroughii—named after naturalist Sir David Attenborough—adds to the growing list of fungi capable of ...

Jan 31, 2025 · They describe the species, named Gibellula attenboroughii to honor Sir David Attenborough, in a study published Friday (Jan. 24) in the journal Fungal Systematics and Evolution.

2 days ago · How zombie fungus controls spiders. The discovery of Gibellula attenboroughii highlights the importance of studying fungi not only for their ecological roles but also for their potential applications. Understanding how these fungi influence spiders could provide insights into broader ecological dynamics.

4 days ago · Gibellula attenboroughii was first discovered in County Down in 2021 It does this using dopamine, the brain's happy chemical, to make the spider favour the dispersal of the fungal spores over ...

4 days ago · Named after Sir David Attenborough, Gibellula attenboroughii was first discovered in County Down during the filming of BBC Winterwatch in 2021. The fungus changes the spider's behaviour, making it ...

3 days ago · Scientists identified a new fungus, Gibellula attenboroughii, infecting cave spiders in Ireland. The fungus manipulates spider behavior, resembling "zombie-ant fungi." Dr. Harry Evans, Emeritus Fellow at CAB International, led a team of scientists—including experts from the Natural History Museum

Jan 30, 2025 · While filming a documentary in Northern Ireland, a team of scientists discovered a new fungus that appears to manipulate spiders’ behavior–and turn them into “zombies.” The fungus named...

Jan 30, 2025 · 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.

Jan 29, 2025 · A new fungal species, Gibellula attenboroughii, has been discovered in cave spiders on the island of Ireland.

Jan 30, 2025 · Researchers have identified a new form of zombie fungus that is infecting spiders in Irish caves. According to the study published in Fungal Systematics and Evolution, the spider species were found in different “ecological niches within the caves.”. While filming a BBC nature program — Winterwatch — the crew came across a spider infected with a fungus.