Jalisco researchers discover six new species of zombie fungi

Researchers from the University of Guadalajara have discovered six new species of entomopathogenic fungi, commonly known as ‘zombie fungi’, in the tropical forests of Jalisco, Mexico. Led by scientist César Ballesteros, the study documented how these parasites infect ants and spiders, manipulating their nervous systems with specialized metabolites to control their behavior for approximately one year.

The fungi force their hosts to move erratically toward specific locations called ‘cemeteries’—areas with optimal light and humidity for fungal growth. Once there, the insects perform a final movement, gripping onto surfaces like bark or leaves with their mandibles before dying, allowing the fungus to sprout from their bodies and disperse spores to new hosts.

In a nod to the region's cultural icons, one of the newly identified species has been named ‘Ophiocordyceps deltoroi’ in honor of Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, recognizing his connection to Jalisco and his cinematic fascination with monstrous creatures.