A ‘parasitic parasite’ has been discovered in the tropical forests of Borneo

Scientists from Universiti Malaysia Sabah has discovered a newly identified parasite Parasites“In the tropical forests of Borneo. More specifically, this is what the researchers describe as a hyperparasite — an organism capable of parasitizing on other parasites. In this case, its targets are zombie fungi.

The new fungal species is named pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata Because of its distinctive horn-shaped structure described In the journal Phytotaxa.

Discovery

The new hyperparasite was identified during a series of field expeditions in the remote Danum Valley region of the Malaysian state of Sabah. According to To Phys.org, researchers came across pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata Almost by accident while examining a dead ant.

The newly discovered fungus targets already infected ants Ophiocordycepsotherwise known as the zombie mushroom. These microorganisms infect insects—particularly ants—by manipulating their nervous systems and causing them to perform behaviors that facilitate the spread of their spores before ultimately killing the host.

Parasite of parasites

Unlike the zombie fungus, the hyperparasite does not control the ant itself. Instead, it attacks the zombie fungus that is already growing inside the insect. “Instead of manipulating the nervous system of the insect itself, Aljabiya It sneaks up and feeds directly on the blooms Ophiocordyceps Jaya Seelan Satya Seelan, deputy director of the Sabah Institute of Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC) in Malaysia and one of the discoverers of the species, said in her report: interview With Agence France-Presse.

There are other hyperparasites in the world, but Ceylon noted that this is the first to have this horn-shaped structure. “This rare discovery reveals another hidden layer of complexity within tropical ecosystems and demonstrates how much is still unknown about the biodiversity in our forests,” ITBC He said In a press release.

Great effects

During the same expeditions, researchers also discovered a new type of spider-killing fungus, one that spreads its spores throughout the spider’s body before killing it.

These findings extend beyond scientific curiosity and could have important practical applications, including potential benefits to human health. “These newly documented fungi hold enormous potential, both as sources for the development of next-generation antimicrobial drugs and as highly effective biocontrol agents against agricultural pests,” Ceylan told AFP.

This story originally appeared on Wired Italy It was translated from Italian.