Scientists Discover Fungus That Turns Beetles Into Zombies to Spread Infection

A fungus turns beetles into zombies and makes them die on flowers to infect the next generation

A fungus infects goldenrod soldier beetles, causing them to grip flowers before dying. After death, the fungus alters their bodies, raising wings between midnight and 7 am. These changes occur approximately fifteen to twenty-two hours after the beetles have expired. Infected beetles were found on frost aster and common boneset plants in Arkansas. Fungal outbreaks primarily occurred during autumn when adult beetles are present.

By TOI Science Desk