Zombie fungus fires spores from dead female flies to infect healthy flies
Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
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- A fungus uses pressurized liquid bursts from dead flies to propel infectious spores at speeds of up to 10 meters per second.
- Spore size helps balance forceful dispersal with transport by air currents.
- Dead female flies attract males, allowing the fungus to spread through contact and movement.
A zombie fungus turns dead female flies into launch platforms, firing infectious spores toward healthy flies in pressurized bursts of liquid.
The spores can travel at speeds of up to 10 meters per second. Their size plays an important role, balancing the momentum needed for dispersal with the ability to move on air currents.
Dead female flies also help the fungus reach new hosts. They attract male flies, which can pick up the spores through contact and carry them as they move. This fungal artillery allows the organism to continue spreading and complete its life cycle.
About this summary
Originally published by Times of India in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.
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