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Scientists discovered a zombie fungus that takes control of carpenter ants' brains and forces them to climb plants before killing them
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Creepy DiscoveriesMar 26, 2026

Scientists discovered a zombie fungus that takes control of carpenter ants' brains and forces them to climb plants before killing them

A fungus turns ants into climbing zombies. Ophiocordyceps unilateralis infects carpenter ant brains completely. Infected ants climb plants against their natural behavior. The fungus kills them at optimal spore-spreading height. Spores then rain down infecting more ants below.

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