"The term 'zombie' fire ant workers was coined to characterize the behavior while under parasitoid control." Finally, the phorid larva is ready for its metamorphosis. It releases an enzyme that ...

In reality, "zombie-ant fungus" or Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, is a parasitic fungus that infects and manipulates the behavior of carpenter ants, ultimately leading to their death. Dr. Jim ...

Dr Charissa de Becker, an expert on zombie fungus from Utrecht University, says: 'When such spores land on an ant they can germinate and burrow themselves through the exoskeleton of the insect to ...