The fungus that controls the ant has become a real natural phenomenon. The principle of activity of the parasite was taken as the basis for feature films, computer games. There are more than 48 million years, received the name cordyceps one-sided. Infects a certain kind of antsturns them into zombies.
Infection process
Cordyceps is common in countries with a tropical climate. Infects wood ants. It was not possible to find out exactly how this all happens. Presumably through the cuticles, the skin using spores.
Zombie ants Cordyceps, multiplying in the body of the victim, releases substances that affect its brain activity. Behavior changes significantly, muscle cramps, cramps are observed.
Interesting fact!
An infected member of a large colony controlled by cordyceps is expelled by society or leaves anthill voluntarily. All his subsequent life obeys the commands of the parasite. The fungus controls the ant, forcing him to look for the optimal place for his existence. With a certain amount of light, humidity, temperature.
Teams for Zombies
Mushroom in ant grows, affects the internal organs, the brain. In this state, the insect is not able to think, follow natural instincts. A sick creature behaves in such a way that cordyceps continues to exist.
Zombie ants fall from the trees, muscle cramps do not allow them to overcome great heights. For reasons incomprehensible to them, they climb onto a plant, cling tightly to their jaws, limbs. Neither rain nor wind can get the insect out of this position. The zombie creature is not dead yet, but is already close to that.
The fungus grows from an ant, finding itself in favorable conditions. It affects the internal organs, leaves through the head. A pore box is formed, ready to infect other insects. Cordyceps mercilessly awaits the next victim, remaining on the surface of the plant.
The lesion area is 30 individuals per 1 square. m. In a short time, the cordyceps fungus is able to zombify a whole colony. Living creatures somehow learned to figure out an infected family member, expel without remorse, trying to save their lives. The infected insect invariably dies.
