A fungus is seen sprouting from a fly’s head, trapped in amber that’s nearly 99 million years old, according to researchers from a Chinese science institute. CNN
Mysterious Fungi Found in Ancient Amber
Two tiny insects trapped in 99-million-year-old amber have revealed something incredible. Scientists discovered they were infected by zombie-like fungi. One was a fly, the other a young ant. The fungus had started growing out of the fly’s head in a strange and chilling way.
These fossils were found during research in southwestern China. Experts say this is one of the rarest examples of a parasitic relationship between insects and fungi from ancient times. The study's lead scientist, Yuhui Zhuang, shared how exciting it was to find this connection in such well-preserved condition.
Two New Fungus Species Named
Researchers identified two new species of fungi from the amber. Both belong to a group called Ophiocordyceps. These fungi are known today for turning ants into so-called “zombies.” They control their host’s body before killing it. Scientists used microscopes and 3D scans to study these ancient pieces closely.
The fungus that infected the ant is now named Paleoophiocordyceps gerontoformicae. The one on the fly is Paleoophiocordyceps ironomyiae.
How Zombie Fungi Work
Today, zombie fungi infect ants, flies, beetles, and even spiders. For example, one type of fungus lands on an ant’s body and enters through weak points. It moves to the ant’s brain, takes control, and forces the ant to climb to a high spot. Then it kills the ant and grows a fruiting body from it to spread spores.
Experts believe these ancient fungi may have acted the same way. This shows that zombie fungi were already around during the time of the dinosaurs.
A Rare and Surprising Discovery
Finding a fungus-infected fly in amber is very rare. Ants still get infected today, but flies don’t as often. That’s why this fossil is so valuable. It gives scientists a rare look into how ancient ecosystems worked.
One scientist said this shows how complex life was, even millions of years ago. Insects didn’t live alone. They were part of a big network that included hidden dangers like parasitic fungi.
Fossils Offer a Glimpse of the Past
Researchers believe the fungi killed the insects before the tree resin trapped them and turned into amber. Normally, the fungi grow their fruiting bodies only after the insect dies.
The fossil also tells us about the types of life that existed during the age of the dinosaurs. Even back then, nature had strange and deadly interactions just like today. A researcher called it “fascinating” to learn that such bizarre behavior existed so long ago.
Ethical Fossil Sourcing
The amber came from Myanmar. Researchers made sure these samples were collected before 2017 and not connected to any local conflict.
