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"Zombie spiders" discovered in Co Cavan

Feb 7, 2025 11:08 By News Northern Sound
"Zombie spiders" discovered in Co Cavan
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The fungi have no nervous system or brain.

A new species of a so-called "zombie spiders" have been discovered in Co Cavan.

The phenomenon, which sees common cave spiders become "zombies" after their central nervous systems are infected by fungi, was first discovered by Fermanagh-based speleologist Tim Fogg in the White Father's Cave, west of Blacklion village.

The fungi have no nervous system or brain but can manipulate the behaviour of the spiders for its own devices.

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While the spiders pose absolutely "no danger", Tim believes that the chemicals involved in making this "extraordinary thing happen" could be very important to medical science. Speaking to Northern Sound, Tim revealed that the finding is the first of its kind for the region.

 

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