Researchers in Malaysia’s Borneo rainforest identify a newly discovered parasitic fungus that targets other fungi associated with “zombie” infections. Multiple outlets report that the species preys on “zombie fungi” that infect insects and then control or kill them, describing the process as ending in death after infection. The discovery comes from field collections during several trips in the region by teams associated with the University of Malaysia Sabah’s Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation. The fungus is described as a “hyperparasite,” meaning it infects or parasitises a primary fungal pathogen rather than directly attacking insects. According to the reporting, the organism belongs to the genus Pleurocordyceps and functions by effectively parasitising the underlying pathogen linked to the zombie fungus phenomenon. The findings are presented as a new species for science, expanding knowledge of the complex predator–parasite relationships in tropical forest ecosystems. The reports do not provide additional details on distribution, abundance, or exact mechanisms beyond its hyperparasitic role and association with zombie fungus infections.
Scientists identify new hyperparasite fungus attacking Borneo’s ‘zombie’ fungi
Researchers in Malaysia’s Borneo rainforest identify a newly discovered parasitic fungus that targets other fungi associated with “zombie” infections. Multiple outlets report that the species preys on...
- Scientists identify a newly discovered hyperparasite fungus in Malaysia’s Borneo rainforest.
- The fungus belongs to the genus Pleurocordyceps.
- It parasitises other “zombie” fungi known for infecting and manipulating insects.
- The discovery is based on field trips by researchers affiliated with the University of Malaysia Sabah’s Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation.
- The term “hyperparasite” is used because it parasitises a primary fungal pathogen rather than directly attacking insects.
A newly identified species of fungus attacks the famous “zombie mushrooms” that control ants.
1 month agoNew ‘hyperparasite’ fungus has been found in Malaysia's Borneo rainforest that lives on other fungi
2 months agoMalaysian scientists have discovered a new species of parasitic fungus in Borneo's jungles that preys on "zombie fungi" known to infect insects before subjecting them to a gruesome death.
2 months agoKUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysian scientists have discovered a new species of parasitic fungus in Borneo’s jungles that preys on “zombie fungus” that are known to infect insects before subjecting them to a gruesome death. The new species was collected during multiple field trips conducted by the University of Malaysia Sabah’s Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation. READ: AI-powered autism-detecting pen invented by PH scientists at UST It was dubbed a “hyperparasite” because it “effectively parasitises the primary pathogen,” the institute’s Deputy Director Jaya Seelan Sathiya Seelan told AFP on Friday. “The fungus belongs to the genus Pleurocordyceps and acts […]...Keep on reading: Scientists discover 'hyperparasite' in Malaysia Borneo jungle
2 months agoThe new species preys on 'zombie fungus' that are known to infect insects before subjecting them to a gruesome death.
2 months ago
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