'Last of Us' fungus that turns spiders into zombies found in Scottish rainforest

A fungus that turns its spider victims into “zombies” – the inspiration for the hit TV show The Last of Us – has been found in Scotland.

The Gibellula fungus, a type of Cordycipitaceae, was made famous by the video game and later television series starring Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal.

The fungus eats spiders from the inside out leaving the exoskeleton whole, before erupting out to spread further spores and claim another host.

Two examples of the fungus were found by amateur naturalist Ben Mitchell as part of the West Cowal Habitat Restoration Project in Argyll and Bute.

Experts say the Gibellula has been recorded in Scotland on ten occasions over the last 70 years. Ben Mitchell

The project, managed by Argyll Countryside Trust (ACT) aims to restore the rare temperate rainforest that grows across the peninsulas of Kilfinan and Colintraive.

Ben said: “It’s been great to be part of this project, and I’ve found so many species, but my favourite by far has definitely been the Gibellula fungus.

“It’s part of a group of fungi that are known for turning their victims into ‘zombies’, compelling them to act in a certain way before killing them.

In The Last Of Us the fungal infection causes its hosts to transform into zombie-like creatures. Liane Hentscher/HBO

“Gibellula seems to make spiders move to the underside of leaves, before sticking them there.

“It’s maybe so that when they fruit, the spores are protected from the rain, and can drop onto other unsuspecting spiders more easily. It’s a bit grim, but it’s all part of the remarkable natural world.”

Experts say the Gibellula has been recorded in Scotland on ten occasions over the last 70 years.

ACT Woodland Coordinator Ian Dow said: “The focus of the West Cowal project will be habitat restoration, particularly rhododendron control and deer management.

” But with all restoration projects like this, it’s important to know what’s been lost and what remains so that you can monitor your progress.

The Gibellula fungus is a type of Cordycipitaceae, and part of the same family as the Cordyceps fungus made famous by video game and TV series, The Last of Us Ben Mitchell

“The terrain in this part of the world can be challenging, and the area to be covered is huge, so there haven’t been any proper surveys done here since the 1980s.

“Back then, the woods were badly affected by acid rain, which had a negative impact on the really rare and special species we find in Scotland’s rainforest.

“Now acid rain has been reduced, so it’s a perfect time to look again, and I think it’s fair to say that we’ve all been blown away by what we’re finding.

“The local community has really come together on this project, and are so passionate about their local rainforest. We couldn’t have done this without them.”