Behavioral Hijacking

How Entomophthora muscae Controls Its Fly Hosts

Abstract

The parasitic fungus Entomophthora muscae has a unique way of controlling the behavior of its fly hosts. This paper examines how the fungus causes infected flies to climb to high places before they die, a behavior known as "summit disease." By making the flies do this, the fungus increases its chances of spreading spores to new hosts. This study looks at the chemical signals and evolutionary benefits behind this behavior, helping us understand how parasites can control their hosts. The research highlights the complex strategies parasites use to survive and offers insights into the role of behavior manipulation in nature.