Hyperparasite fungus found in Borneo rainforest : Deep inside the rainforests of Borneo, scientists have discovered something that sounds almost unbelievable: a parasite that infects another parasite.
Researchers from the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation at the University of Malaysia Sabah have identified a new species of fungus that preys on the infamous "zombie fungus," creating a chain of parasitism in the jungle, as per a report. The discovery was made during several field expeditions in Sabah and later published in the journal Phytotaxa.
A Fungus That Attacks Zombie Fungi
The newly discovered species belongs to the genus Pleurocordyceps and has been described as a "hyperparasite" because it parasitizes another parasite rather than directly attacking an animal host, as per a Phys Org report.
According to Jaya Seelan Sathiya Seelan, deputy director of the institute, the fungus specifically targets Ophiocordyceps, commonly known as zombie fungus.
Seelan said, "Rather than manipulating the insect's nervous system itself, Pleurocordyceps infiltrates and feeds directly on the thriving Ophiocordyceps tissue inside the host," as quoted by Phys Org.
Zombie fungi are known for infecting ants, taking control of their nervous systems, altering their behavior, and eventually killing them before emerging from the insect's body.
But this newly discovered fungus turns the tables. Instead of infecting the ant itself, it invades and feeds on the Ophiocordyceps fungus already growing inside the insect.
A Discovery Hidden Inside a Dead Ant
Scientists identified the new species after examining a dead ant collected in Danum Valley, a remote rainforest area in southern Sabah.
The fungus was named Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata because of its unusual horn-shaped structure. While hyperparasitic fungi have been discovered before, researchers say this is the first known member of its genus to possess this distinctive horn-like form, as per the Phys Org report.
Another Deadly Fungus Was Found Too
The field expeditions revealed more than one surprise. Researchers also documented a previously unknown species of spider-killing fungus. This fungus spreads spores through spiders before ultimately killing them.
Potential Beyond the Rainforest
Scientists believe these newly documented fungi could have uses beyond their rainforest ecosystem.
According to Seelan, they may hold significant potential as sources for future antimicrobial drugs, as per the Phys Org report. They could also serve as biological control agents for agricultural pests.
FAQs
What did scientists discover in Borneo's rainforest?Scientists discovered a new species of fungus that parasitizes zombie fungi.
What is a hyperparasite?
A hyperparasite is a parasite that infects another parasite.
