Zombie Ant Fungus

Ophiocordyceps unilateralis — manipulating ants to spread spores

Spore Landing
Mycelium Growth
Behavioral Control
Death Grip
Stroma Emergence
Spore Release

Colony Status

Healthy ants0
Infected0
Zombie (climbing)0
Dead + sporulating0
Spores active0

Fungus Stats

Total infections0
Successful cycles0
Avg infection time--
Colony threatLow

Biology

Ophiocordyceps fungi infect Camponotus ants with microscopic spores. The fungus grows through the ant's body cavity, eventually producing compounds that hijack the motor system, forcing the ant to climb precisely 25cm above the forest floor — the optimal height for spore dispersal.