Nothing like a little mind control fungus in the morning…

On one of my adventures through StumbleUpon I found an article that induced the spine shivers. Apparently, there exists a fungus (Genus Cordyceps) whose spores enter the spiracles of ants and begin to germinate. Once inside, it begin eating the ant, but avoid killing it. Which is good parasitic behavior. After all, what good is it if you burn down your house?

When the fungus reaches the ant’s brain, it is ready to reproduce. By now, chemicals released by the fungus are actually influencing the ant’s behavior. The infected ant suddenly has the desire to climb upwards and latch itself to a leaf or stick, biting down in a death-grip. Once positioned, the ant dies. And out grows a FREAKIN’ ALIEN!!! Once fully grown, the fungus releases spores and the cycle continues.

According to the article, the Cordyceps fungus is not an uncommon variety down there, and the different fungal species each infect a specific species of insect. Now you have more than Big Brother to worry about. Ha! For the article as well as some great video footage of the fungus in action, go here.