Two new species of fungi eat flies and change them to ‘Zombies’

To spread their spores

Danish scientists while carrying fieldwork discovered two new species of fungi that eat two species of flies and use them to spread their spores (one-celled reproductive unit of a fungus). They are Strongwellsea tigrinae and S.acerosa, which attack the fly species Coenosia tigrina and C.testacea.

The fungi eat the abdomen of the flies and make many holes and eject their spores into it. It also releases a substance in flies’ body that keeps them flying and active. The unusual tactic of keeping the host alive while releasing spores is called active host transmission (AHT).

The infected, now zombie (someone who moves around as if unconscious being controlled by someone) flies remain alive and spread the spores everywhere. It is an effective way of getting access to other healthy individuals. Scientists believe the fungi produce substances that keep microorganisms away from the fly fungal wound and keep it clean. They are studying the chemicals used by the fungi to carry out the actions which can be used in medicine.