‘ZOMBIE spiders’ have been found at an Irish beauty spot – and experts reckon there could be more around the country.
The rare insects were found in White Fathers Cave, which lies between Co Cavan and Co Fermanagh.
Zombie spiders have been found at a beauty spot visited by thousands every year[/caption]
White Fathers Cave is part of an extensive network of cave systems.
Drawing in thousands of visitors every year, this cave offers a fascinating look at both cave formations and the region’s rich geological history.
And last week, speleologist Tim Fogg made an interesting discovery in the cave.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Tim explained that the common cave spider turns into a “zombie” when infected by a particular fungus.
The fungus forces the spider to leave its hiding spot in the walls, where it eventually dies, releasing spores that go on to infect more spiders.
He said: “The fungus kills them, and then their spores are released. Because they are out on the walls, the spores are blown about in the draft and therefore reinfect other spiders.”
The speleologist went on to say that even though the fungus lacks a nervous system or brain it can still control the spider’s behaviour using chemicals.
However, he said that this discovery should be celebrated.
He said: “Samples of this fungus have now been stored for medical research because all sorts of things are coming out of fungi in medical research that are helping us with various diseases, including cancer.”
Tim also pointed out that although this particular species of fungus hasn’t been found anywhere else, more samples could turn up across Ireland.
He added: “We’ve looked in Sligo, Cavan and Leitrim, and we found examples in most of those.
“I’m sure if we look harder, we can find them around other places.”
This comes after a popular Irish swimming spot has been issued with a major “red alert” after scientists spotted a swarm of rare jellyfish with a “painful sting” in the area.
RARE JELLYFISH SPOTTED
Lough Hyne in West Cork has seen an influx of Pelagia noctiluca jellyfish – a species commonly known as the Portuguese Man of War.
Scientists from University College Cork identified the creature and noted that it has a very painful sting.
Although the spot is popular with swimmers, visitors have been warned to stay out of the water while the jellyfish are present.
Swimming in the lough risks a painful sting.
Skiberdeen Heritage Centre took to social media to urge people to spread the word.
They stressed that swimmers should not enter the lake at this time.
Posting on Facebook, they said: “RED ALERT for Lough Hyne!
“UCC scientists have been in touch to say that there is an influx of stinging jellyfish in Lough Hyne (Pelagia noctiluca), and it is not advisable to swim there while they are present, as the sting would be very painful.
“Please spread the word…”
