A parasitic fungus turns flies into zombies to ensure its own reproductive success

Nature · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Entomophthora muscae is a real-world pathogen that hijacks the bodies of flies. By consuming their internal fats and manipulating their behavior, the fungus forces its hosts to climb to high perches before dying in a specific pose, allowing it to launch spores onto new victims with deadly precision.

The fungus Entomophthora muscae, whose name translates to fly destroyer, has been known to science for over 160 years. It functions as an obligate pathogen, meaning it relies entirely on its host to survive. After infection, the fungus does not immediately target vital organs. Instead, it consumes the fly's fat reserves and nutrients, keeping the insect alive while it gradually takes control. This process ensures the fungus can manipulate the host's behavior at the optimal moment for reproduction.

At dusk on the fourth or fifth day post-infection, the fungus triggers a behavior known as summiting. The fly climbs to an elevated position, extends its mouthparts to secrete a sticky glue that anchors it to the surface, and dies with its wings raised. This precise timing allows the fungus to erupt from the abdomen as white, spongy protrusions that launch spores at high speeds. Researchers like Carolyn Elya have found that injecting hemolymph from infected flies into healthy ones can induce similar zombified behavior, suggesting the fungus secretes substances that directly manipulate the host's neurons.

The fungus also employs chemical warfare to spread. Research published in 2022 indicates that infected female cadavers release volatile chemicals that lure healthy males, who then become infected while attempting to mate with the corpses. Other insects, such as earwigs, are also attracted to these sporulating cadavers, potentially due to the nutritional value of the infected remains. While these mechanisms are effective for flies, experts like Elya note that it is highly unlikely such a fungus could zombify humans, as our ability to regulate body temperature provides a defense against such invaders.

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