# Last of Ants (DD-103)

> Ophiocordyceps unilateralis is a parasitic fungus, now treated as a species complex, that infects carpenter ants in tropical forests. An infected ant leaves its colony, climbs vegetation and bites down on a leaf vein in a 'death grip', usually at a height and humidity that suit the fungus. The fungus then kills the ant, grows a stalk from the back of its head and releases spores onto ants foraging below. Research led by David Hughes found the fungus spreads through the ant's body and muscles, while the brain largely stays free of fungal cells, so the control seems to work through the muscles and chemistry rather than by occupying the brain. The fungus is popularly known as the 'zombie-ant fungus'. The footage shows infected ants and fungal growth.

- Department: Nature (also Science)
- First published: 2023-12-01
- Last updated: 2023-12-01
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/last-of-ants/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-103-F01**: It infects carpenter ants in tropical forests. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Carpenter ants))_
- **DD-103-F02**: Infected ants bite down on a leaf vein. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Death grip))_

## Write-up

A fungus makes ants climb to the perfect spot to die. Ophiocordyceps then grows a stalk from the ant's head to rain spores.

1. **Carpenter ants**: It infects carpenter ants in tropical forests.
2. **Death grip**: Infected ants bite down on a leaf vein.
3. **Spore stalk**: A stalk grows from the head and releases spores.
4. **Muscles, not brain**: The fungus invades muscles; the brain stays largely free of it.
5. **Species complex**: It's now treated as a complex of many species.

## Related case files

- [Ant Rafting (DD-662)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/ant-rafting/): I linked more about ants

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: 'Takes control of the ant's central nervous system': research suggests the fungus works through the ant's muscles while the brain stays largely uninvaded. I've kept the claim attributed.

## Video: Last of Ants: A Fungus Makes Ants Climb to the Perfect Spot to Die

- Duration: 32.7 s · Published: 2023-12-01
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C0UbeZwpD_D.mp4

### Transcript

Ophiocordyceps a genus of parasitic fungi has the ability to infect and manipulate the behavior of insects. DID YOU KNOW? Cordyceps Unilateralis primarily targets ants. After infection the fungus takes control of the ant's central nervous system compelling it to leave its colony and climb vegetation. The ant then attaches itself to a leaf or twig, and the fungus k***s the ant. The fungus then sprouts a stalk-like structure from the ant's head releasing spores to infect more ants on the ground below. This intricate manipulation of host behavior showcases the remarkable strategies fungi can employ for their survival and reproduction. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Which ants does it infect?**  
A: In tropical forests. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Carpenter ants) · Wikipedia: Ophiocordyceps unilateralis)_

**Q: What does the infected ant bite?**  
A: The 'death grip'. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Death grip) · Wikipedia: Ophiocordyceps unilateralis)_

**Q: Where does the stalk grow from?**  
A: Then spores fall. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Spore stalk) · Wikipedia: Ophiocordyceps unilateralis)_

**Q: Which tissue does the fungus invade heavily?**  
A: The brain stays largely free. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Muscles, not brain) · Wikipedia: Ophiocordyceps unilateralis)_

**Q: How is it now classified?**  
A: Many related species. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Species complex) · Wikipedia: Ophiocordyceps unilateralis)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Ophiocordyceps unilateralis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophiocordyceps_unilateralis)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Last of Ants." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-103, last updated Dec 1, 2023. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/last-of-ants/