> [!cite] Citation > Mott, Allanah. ‘A Miniature Zombie Apocalypse: How One Fungus Controls the Minds and Bodies of Ants to Send Them to Their Demise’. *Scientific Scribbles*. University of Melbourne. Last updated 17 September 2021, [https://blogs.unimelb.edu.au/sciencecommunication/2021/09/17/a-miniature-zombie-apocalypse-how-one-fungus-controls-the-minds-and-bodies-of-ants-to-send-them-to-their-demise/](https://blogs.unimelb.edu.au/sciencecommunication/2021/09/17/a-miniature-zombie-apocalypse-how-one-fungus-controls-the-minds-and-bodies-of-ants-to-send-them-to-their-demise/). > [!abstract] > A single spore enters the body of an ant. It grows into a mass of fibers that take control of the antʼs mind and body. The ant is forced to climb a nearby tree before locking its jaws and holding on to what will be its final resting place. Where the ant has ventured is perfect for the fungus. The temperature, humidity, air flow, they are all perfect. The fungus continues to grow, slowly consuming the innocent insect. A powerful stalk pierces through the antʼs exoskeleton using huge amounts of pressure and a spore capsule grows. The capsule erupts, shedding thousands of spores onto more unsuspecting ants. > > This fungi is a parasitoid and will continue of this vicious cycle of killing with every generation.