Experts from CABI, a non-profit intergovernmental organization for development and information, confirmed
A fungus hosted by a cave spiderwas named Gibellula bang-bangus by viewers of the Springwatch program. Initial studies based on the morphology of the specimen indicated that it was a new species.
Photo: CABI
DNA analysis by Dr. Alan Buddy andhis team at the CABI Laboratories in Egham, UK, then confirmed that the fungus was indeed a new species of the spider-specific genus Gibellula.
"Based on DNA sequences,taken from the cultural isolate I made, the phylogenetic tree places the new species in a clade with two species from Asia: hence the assumption of an Asian origin made during the Spring Watch program. ;— noted the scientist.
Paul Stewart, manager of Castle Espie, later suggested that the fungus may have appeared on gunpowder or packaging material in the 18th century.
Taking fresh samples of the same fungus on thoseThe same spider species collected by speleologist Tim Fogg from two natural cave systems in Northern Ireland has completed its investigation. The results confirm that it is a native fungus specific to and pathogenic to local cave spider species. It prefers similar man-made habitats, such as culverts, tunnels and, in this case, an underground powder magazine.
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