{
  "id": 229777,
  "title": "Parasitic zombie-ant fungus thrives in mosses, too",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/parasitic-zombie-ant-fungus-thrives-in-mosses-too",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-06T17:13:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ars Technica Science",
    "slug": "ars-technica-science",
    "url": "https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/08/parasitic-zombie-fungus-thrives-in-mosses-too/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The parasitic fungi belonging to the Cordyceps genus, often featured in nature documentaries and zombie-themed media, have been discovered thriving in mosses, according to a study published in the IMA Fungus journal. This revelation suggests the fungus undergoes a second life stage within the moss, potentially as an evolutionary adaptation to endure periods when insect hosts are scarce. Furthermore, it may explain why infected host species display a preference for consuming mosses during the final stages of their life. With over 400 Cordyceps species, each specifically targeting a particular insect, the spores attach to the insect, causing the host to be transformed into a \"zombie\" and ultimately clinging to a leaf or twig as it dies.",
  "summary": "This may help fungi survive host scarcity and explains why infected hosts prefer the mosses as death sites.",
  "key_points": [
    "Cordyceps fungi found in mosses, study reveals.",
    "Fungus undergoes second life stage in moss.",
    "Infected hosts prefer moss consumption in final stages."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The fungus's ability to thrive in mosses suggests an evolutionary strategy to survive when insect hosts are scarce, potentially altering understanding of its life cycle and relationship with infected species.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ars Technica",
        "title": "Parasitic zombie-ant fungus thrives in mosses, too",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/parasitic-zombie-ant-fungus-thrives-in-mosses-too-230314",
        "published": "2026-08-06T17:13:45.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}