Zombie ants
The mushroom that controls the ant has become a real natural phenomenon. The principle of activity of the parasite was taken as the basis of feature films, computer games. There is more than 48 million years, received the name Cordyceps one-sided. Infects certain ant species, turns them into zombies.
Infection process
Cordyceps is common in countries with tropical climates. It infects tree ants. How it all happens, just could not figure out. Presumably through the cuticle, the skin with the help of spores.
The zombie ant cordyceps, multiplying in the body of the victim, releases substances that affect its brain activity.Significantly changing behavior, there are muscle spasms, convulsions.
Interesting fact!
Managed by Cordyceps, an infected member of a large colony is driven out by society or leaves anthill voluntarily. All his future life is subject to the commands of the parasite. The fungus controls the ant, forcing him to look for the best place to live. With a certain light, humidity, temperature.
Zombie Commands
Mushroom in an ant grows, affects the internal organs, the brain. In this state, the insect is not able to think, to follow the natural instincts. A sick creature behaves in such a way that Cordyceps continues to exist.
Zombie ants fall from the trees, muscle spasms do not allow them to overcome great heights. For reasons unknown to them, they climb onto the plant, cling tightly to the jaws and limbs. Neither rain nor wind can bring an insect out of this position. A zombie creature is not dead yet, but already close to that.
The mushroom grows from an ant, having appeared in conditions favorable for itself. It affects the internal organs, goes through the head.A box of pores is formed, ready to infect other insects. Cordyceps ruthlessly waits for the next victim, remaining on the surface of the plant.
The lesion area is 30 individuals per 1 sq. M. m. In a short time, the fungus Cordyceps is able to zombie a whole colony. Living beings somehow learned to calculate an infected family member, expelling without remorse, trying to save their lives. The infected insect invariably dies.
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