PLoS One March 2011 PMID 21399679

Hidden diversity behind the zombie-ant fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis: four new species described from carpenter ants in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Harry C Evans, Simon L Elliot, David P Hughes

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Mentions

58
Peak: 3 in Feb 2021
across 6 sources since Feb 2021

Extended reach

96,971
potential audience

Total likes

5,687

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Feb 2021 – Jun 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News27 articles
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  • Facebook8 posts
  • X / Twitter3 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Bluesky1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The posts primarily share succinct summaries of the research, emphasizing the discovery of four new fungal species from carpenter ants, which indicates a moderate level of interest and engagement. Phrases like 'Hidden Diversity' and references to 'described species' demonstrate factual reporting, while the tone remains neutral and informative, reflecting a general appreciation for the study's contribution without strong emotional or critical engagement.

AgreementNeither agree nor disagree

Posts acknowledge the significance of the discovery, but generally do not strongly agree or disagree with its implications.

InterestModerate interest

Discussions show mild curiosity, with some interest expressed in the discovery of new species.

EngagementModerate engagement

Engagement appears to be modest, mostly sharing summaries and highlighting the research without deep analysis.

ImpactModerate impact

The publication is viewed positively but not as a groundbreaking shift; its impact is considered moderate in the scientific community.

Abstract in brief

  • The text discusses the discovery and description of four new species of the fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis from carpenter ants in Minas Gerais, Brazil, highlighting how these fungi manipulate ant behavior by causing them to bite onto leaves before dying.
  • These new species are part of a larger effort to understand the taxonomy and ecology of this diverse fungal complex, with detailed descriptions provided for each, including both asexual and sexual stages, and registered in a global fungal database.
  • The study emphasizes that each fungus species is specific to its ant host, with distinct morphological features allowing scientists to differentiate them, and serves as an example of how new fungal names are being officially published electronically in mycology.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
SpeciesConnect
@species_connect · X

Hidden Diversity Behind the Zombie-Ant Fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis: Four New Species Described from Carpenter Ants in Minas Gerais, Brazil https://t.co/rGm5Eg5fzc

Feb 6, 2021 · 2 likes · 2 shares · 280 followers View post →
C. Solari
@gebsaar · X

RT @species_connect: Hidden Diversity Behind the Zombie-Ant Fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis: Four New Species Described from Carpenter A…

Feb 6, 2021 · 2 shares · 1,448 followers View post →
SpeciesConnect
@species_connect · X

RT @species_connect: Hidden Diversity Behind the Zombie-Ant Fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis: Four New Species Described from Carpenter A…

Feb 6, 2021 · 2 shares · 280 followers View post →
Biss Lee
@biss.com.br · Bluesky

youtu.be/uv4bOjSJpa0?...

Apr 29, 2025 View post →

All mentions

Biss Lee
@biss.com.br · Bluesky

youtu.be/uv4bOjSJpa0?...

Apr 29, 2025 View post →
SpeciesConnect
@species_connect · X

RT @species_connect: Hidden Diversity Behind the Zombie-Ant Fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis: Four New Species Described from Carpenter A…

Feb 6, 2021 · 2 shares · 280 followers View post →
C. Solari
@gebsaar · X

RT @species_connect: Hidden Diversity Behind the Zombie-Ant Fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis: Four New Species Described from Carpenter A…

Feb 6, 2021 · 2 shares · 1,448 followers View post →
SpeciesConnect
@species_connect · X

Hidden Diversity Behind the Zombie-Ant Fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis: Four New Species Described from Carpenter Ants in Minas Gerais, Brazil https://t.co/rGm5Eg5fzc

Feb 6, 2021 · 2 likes · 2 shares · 280 followers View post →