Zombie ants have fungus on the brain

Tropical carpenter ants (Camponotus leonardi) are turned into "zombie ants" when infected by the parasitic fungus (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis). Infected ants become erratic and zombie-like, and are manipulated by the fungus into dying at a spot that provides optimal conditions for fungal reproduction. New research looks at altered behavior patterns in zombie ants in Thailand and shows how the fungus manipulates ant behavior.

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