Al-Amn Magazine

DOCUMENTARY A New f ungus d i scovered duri ng fi lmi ng Honour for Si r Dav i d At tenborough n unexpected discovery in the caves of Ireland has shed light on a new species of fungus, named in honor of Sir David Attenborough. This fungus, Gibellula attenboroughii, was found on a web-weaving spider, revealing complex behaviors and interactions between species. The researchers, led by Dr. Harry Evans, used morphological and molecular evidence to identify this new species. The fungus was discovered during the filming of the BBC series Winterwatch, highlighting the importance of science outreach programs, even in the context of discovering new species. The host spider, Metellina merianae, was identified as a cave-dwelling species. Additional specimens of Gibellula attenboroughii were found in cave systems in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as well as on a related spider, Meta menardi. These findings suggest a specific adaptation of the fungus to its environment. The infected spiders were found in exposed positions, a behavior similar to that of ants infected by fungi of the genus Ophiocordyceps. This phenomenon shows how fungi manipulate their hosts, turning them into ‹zombies› to promote the dispersal of their spores. The scientists also explored historical archives and literary research to reveal a hidden diversity within the Gibellula genus in the British Isles. These studies highlighted epidemics of diseases affecting spider populations, emphasizing the importance of these fungi in spider population dynamics.The metabolites produced by these fungi, capable of altering the behavior of their hosts, open new perspectives for research in ecology and molecular biology. These discoveries underscore the importance of continuing to study these complex interactions to better understand ecosystems.