A new fungus controls spider minds, named after Attenborough.

Scientists have discovered a new species of fungus, named Gibellula attenboroughii in honor of Sir David Attenborough, which can take control of spiders’ minds and cause their unusual behavior. This fungus penetrates the spider’s body, infects it, and uses chemical signals to manipulate its behavior, forcing the spiders to position themselves in places where the wind can most easily spread its spores. It is similar to parasitic fungi from the genus Ophiocordyceps that attack ants.