A 99-million-year-old fly trapped in amber has provided scientists with a rare glimpse into an ancient ecosystem. The insect’s body is now home to the mushroom-like fruiting body of zombie fungus, showcasing the parasitic relationship between fungi and insects that has captivated humans for centuries.
Researchers from Yunnan University discovered two previously unknown species of ancient fungi, Paleoophiocordyceps gerontoformicae and Paleoophiocordyceps ironomyiae, in the fossilized fly. The fungus-infected insect is one of only a few fossils to preserve the symbiotic relationship between fungi and insects.
The phenomenon, known as “zombie-ant fungi,” involves parasitic fungi manipulating their hosts’ behavior for their own benefit. This natural occurrence has inspired video games and TV shows, including HBO’s “The Last of Us.”
Scientists believe that the discovery suggests terrestrial ecosystems were already complex during the Cretaceous period, with Ophiocordyceps potentially regulating insect populations. Today, parasitic fungi infect a range of insects, from ants to beetles.
While rare specimens are often found in amber fossils, this latest discovery provides insight into an ancient ecosystem and highlights the significance of these natural occurrences in shaping our planet’s biodiversity.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/24/science/amber-insect-zombie-fungi-fossil