Lifestyle
Zombie Spiders in the United States: Fact, Fear, and Fascination
zombie spiders in the United States: Zombie spiders aren’t science fiction—they’re real-life examples of nature’s strangest survival strategies. In the United States, parasitic wasps and fungi can hijack spider behavior, forcing them to spin protective webs or anchor themselves in place before being consumed. From Arizona to Florida and beyond, these eerie cases reveal just how complex and surprising our ecosystems can be.
When people hear the phrase “zombie spiders”, it sounds like something out of a horror movie. But in nature, it describes a very real phenomenon: spiders whose behavior is hijacked by parasites or fungi until they’re no longer acting on their own instincts.
In the United States, two main culprits are behind the “zombification” of spiders:
Parasitic Wasps (Ichneumonidae, especially Polysphincta-group and Zatypota species) Pathogenic Fungi (Genus Gibellula)
These natural manipulators are found in multiple regions of the country, creating eerie cases of spiders turned into “puppets” for their parasites.
How Zombie Spiders Are Made
1. Parasitic Wasps
Ichneumon wasps, particularly species in the Polysphincta group, use spiders as both nursery and construction crew. After stinging a spider and attaching an egg, the developing larva releases chemicals that change the spider’s behavior. Instead of spinning a normal web, the spider builds a highly simplified “cocoon web.” Once the web is finished, the larva consumes the spider and pupates safely in the structure.
2. Parasitic Fungi
Spiders across the U.S. can also fall victim to fungi in the genus Gibellula. These fungi infect the spider’s body, gradually taking over. Before the spider dies, it often climbs vegetation, anchors itself, and becomes locked in place. The fungus then sprouts from the body, releasing spores that spread to new hosts.
State-by-State Strategy: Where Zombie Spiders Appear
Zombie spider cases are not limited to the tropics. In fact, research and field records show that parasitic wasps and fungi are distributed across the United States:
Arizona (Southwest) – Zatypota wasps recorded parasitizing cobweb spiders in Pima County. Florida (Southeast) – Newly described fungus Gibellula floridensis documented infecting spiders in north-central Florida. Maryland (Mid-Atlantic) – Multiple records of Gibellula fungi on local spider species; part of a growing East Coast database. Minnesota & Midwest – Residents and naturalists have reported fungi-covered spiders, indicating Gibellula pulchra and related species are active in the region. Northeast & Nationwide – Polysphincta-group wasps are widely distributed across the U.S. and Canada, meaning orb-weaving spiders in many states may be vulnerable to zombification.
What This Means for Strategy
For scientists, enthusiasts, and even curious homeowners, a good strategy to track zombie spider activity includes:
Citizen Science – Reporting sightings of unusual spider webs or fungi-covered spiders to platforms like iNaturalist helps build state-level data. State Biodiversity Databases – Many states, like Maryland, already log fungal and insect parasitism records. Expanding these across more states will give a clearer national picture. Public Education – Framing these creatures not as monsters, but as part of fascinating ecological relationships, helps people appreciate biodiversity rather than fear it.
Why It Matters
Zombie spiders are more than a curiosity—they highlight the complex and sometimes unsettling ways nature works. By mapping and understanding where they occur in the U.S., scientists can better study parasite-host relationships, biodiversity, and even potential new medicines (many fungi produce bioactive compounds).
Far from being a threat to humans, zombie spiders are a reminder of just how strange and interconnected life can be—even in our own backyards.
Related Links
Hymenoepimecis argyraphaga: The Costa Rican “Zombie Spider” Wasp – Learn about the famous wasp that manipulates spiders in Costa Rica.
Polysphincta Wasps: Spider Parasites in North America – Information on North American wasps that create “cocoon webs.”
Gibellula Fungi: Spider-Killing Fungi in the U.S. – Explore how fungi manipulate spiders across U.S. states.
iNaturalist: Citizen Science Platform – Report sightings of unusual spiders and webs to help track zombie spider activity.
Parasitic Manipulation in Spiders – A deeper dive into how parasites hijack spider behavior.
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
(Feature Impact) Dry eye is one of the most overlooked symptoms of perimenopause, the phase of fluctuating hormones leading up to a woman’s final period, and menopause, the point in a woman’s life when she’s gone a year without a period.
In fact, 79% of women1 recognize hot flashes as a symptom of menopause, but only 14% recognize dry eye as a menopause-related symptom, according to the 2026 Bausch + Lomb (Peri)Menopausal Survey. What’s more, 78% of women1 were surprised to learn that dry eye is a symptom of perimenopause or menopause.
“Dry eye is still widely overlooked as a symptom of menopause, and many women think it’s just a minor nuisance, but the truth is it can significantly affect your daily life,” said Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, IFMCP, FOWNS, founder, Integrative Vision. “Early symptoms are often misunderstood or self-treated but it’s very important for women who experience symptoms to see an eye doctor and get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.”
During perimenopause and menopause, declining hormone levels can impact tear production, tear quality and tear evaporation, contributing to dry eye symptoms including redness, fluctuating vision and a gritty or tired feeling in the eyes, all of which can impact day-to-day comfort and quality of life. If left untreated, dry eyes may worsen over time, potentially impacting eye health and vision. Among peri-, menopausal and post-menopausal women who experienced dry eye, 80% said the symptom came as a surprise.
Respondents reported their dry eye symptoms caused difficulty reading (58%), difficulty using screens (53%), difficulty driving (26%) and reduced productivity (17%), underscoring the often-overlooked impact dry eyes can have on everyday life.1
However, there are a variety of products and treatment approaches available to help manage dry eye symptoms. For example, Bausch + Lomb offers a range of options designed to address the main causes of dry eye.
A doctor-recommended, clinically proven once-daily soft gel supplement that targets the key root causes of dry eyes, Blink NutriTears supports healthy tear production and provides lasting, continuous relief.* § As part of a comprehensive approach to dry eye management, the supplement can be used with Blink Triple Care Preservative Free Lubricant Eye Drops, which are designed to directly address tear evaporation, one of the leading causes of dry eye, and provide instant and long-lasting symptom relief.
An eye care professional can help determine the approach that’s right for each individual. To learn more about dry eye and products to help combat it, visit JustBlink.com.*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
12026 Bausch & Lomb (Peri)Menopause Survey via Suzy, n=402; Women ages 30–80+ who are perimenopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal
§Based on a clinical study
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Bausch + Lomn
child education
Where Curiosity Builds Trade Skills: 5 Ways to Help Kids Discover the Skilled Trades
Help Kids Discover the Skilled Trades: Parents, educators and mentors can encourage young people to broaden their horizons as they plan their futures and build awareness around careers in the skilled trades with these tips.
Where Curiosity Builds Trade Skills: 5 Ways to Help Kids Discover the Skilled Trades
(Feature Impact) Most students hear questions about what they want to be when they grow up. By the time their middle and high school years arrive, they’re often starting to consider their answers more in depth. Conversations with adults can help shape their awareness of and interest in various career paths, including skilled trades.
When they’re provided with opportunities to learn, build, experiment and solve problems, young people can discover whether their talents and passions are a good fit for a career in the trades. Programs likePath to Pro Skills Explorers, launched by The Home Depot in partnership with Scouting America and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, provide free, accessible ways to introduce students to options like the plumbing, construction and electrical fields, as well as content on leadership and soft skills.
Parents, educators and mentors can encourage young people to broaden their horizons as they plan their futures and build awareness around careers in the skilled trades with these tips.
Start Career Conversations Early
Choosing a career path doesn’t have to be one intimidating, life-changing moment. Parents and mentors can normalize career conversations by starting them early and keeping things casual. Opening the dialogue sparks curiosity about the activities kids enjoy and allows them to start connecting those interests to potential career paths. To get started, set kids up with access to online programs, videos and introductory courses so they can explore a variety of possibilities.
Turn Curiosity Into Hands-On Learning
For many students, learning by doing is the most satisfying way to test, improve and build skills. Instead of only reading textbooks or listening to instructors, offer them the chance to follow a plan, work with different materials, troubleshoot problems and build something tangible. Young people considering hands-on careers need hands-on practice to develop confidence and adaptability. Take the first step by researching online resources and local opportunities for classes, job shadowing or even apprenticeships.
Recognize the Skills Kids Are Already Building
Skilled trades aren’t just about knowing which wires to connect or what tool to reach for. They also rely on a variety of soft skills like communication, patience, critical thinking, time management, attention to detail and more. When kids demonstrate these traits, point them out and encourage them. Take opportunities to let them experiment with hands-on projects, whether they want to try building a treehouse, repairing a bike or tinkering with technology.
Expand Views of Career Pathways and Success
The road to success is more like an intersection. Let young people know there are many pathways to fulfilling careers and futures, and while the traditional college-to-career plan can still be a viable option, it isn’t the only one. Skilled trades offer competitive salaries, job security and the opportunity to learn hands-on skills that will always be in demand. Even in a world where technology is rapidly changing many career fields, it takes skilled workers to replace roofs, repair electrical systems, fix sewer lines and lead disaster recovery efforts.
Find Programs That Make Skilled Trades Exploration Accessible
There is a gap between labor supply and demand in the trades, and it’s only widening as older generations approach retirement age. Programs like The Home Depot’s Skills Explorers are designed to empower young people to step into these roles by providing a mix of online resources and hands-on activities to explore viable career paths. As a key part of a commitment by The Home Depot and The Home Depot Foundation to deliver 15 million introductions to the skilled trades by 2032, the program offers an accessible, no-cost curriculum for youth education groups to learn what it’s like to work in these important fields.
“For years, The Home Depot and The Home Depot Foundation’s Path to Pro program have helped separating military, career changers and others build pathways to the trades,” said Michael Rowe, executive vice president of Pro for The Home Depot. “We know that closing the skilled labor gap starts much earlier. We need more young people to see what’s possible and understand the lucrative opportunities these careers provide.”
Visit pathtopro.com/skills-explorers to access the free curriculum and discover how to bring hands-on skilled trade exploration to students.
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🔧 Curiosity today can become a skill for tomorrow. Giving kids opportunities to build, fix, create, and explore trades at an early age can turn natural curiosity into confidence, practical skills, and even inspiration for a future career. Whether it’s woodworking, automotive repair, cooking, electronics, or construction, hands-on learning shows kids that there’s more than one path to success. Visit: https://stmdailynews.com/lifestyle/
health and wellness
The Oral and Cardiovascular Health Connection: 4 Tips to Protect Your Teeth, Gums and Heart
People often think of dentists and doctors as totally separate healthcare professionals: one cares for your teeth and mouth while the other handles the rest of the body. In reality, the different systems in the human body are closely interconnected and oral health is no exception, making dentists a vital part of your healthcare team. Care for your teeth, gums and heart all at once using these tips.
(Feature Impact) People often think of dentists and doctors as totally separate healthcare professionals: one cares for your teeth and mouth while the other handles the rest of the body. In reality, the different systems in the human body are closely interconnected and oral health is no exception, making dentists a vital part of your healthcare team.
Oral health and heart health have a particularly close connection, with inflammation at the core of it. When your gums are inflamed, the resulting bacteria can make their way from your mouth through your bloodstream, potentially contributing to your blood vessels constricting or becoming blocked. This, in turn, may force your heart to work harder and raise your blood pressure, putting you at risk of heart disease and stroke. More than 46% of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, and more than 40% of adults age 30 and older are affected by periodontal (gum) disease.
To help address these issues, the American Heart Association’s Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative, in collaboration with Delta Dental of California, is encouraging dental teams to take a total-body perspective with their patients. Simple steps like blood pressure screenings during checkups can give a more complete picture of a person’s overall health. If a member of your dental care team pulls out a blood pressure cuff at your next appointment, it’s a good sign.
“The mouth is a gateway to the body and can often reveal more about your total body health than you may think,” said Daniel Croley, D.M.D., chief dental officer at Delta Dental of California and Affiliates. “Oral health professionals have a powerful opportunity to integrate more into their patients’ collective health care team beyond protecting their patients’ teeth By connecting oral health and heart health, this initiative helps dentists identify risks early and guide patients toward care that can improve and even save lives.”
Care for your teeth, gums and heart all at once using these tips from experts at the American Heart Association.
Follow a Brushing and Flossing Schedule
Good dental health starts with a daily routine. If you don’t want to sheepishly cringe next time the dentist inquires about yours, brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to disrupt plaque-forming bacteria. Dentists recommend using toothpaste with fluoride and brushing your teeth and gums thoroughly yet gently, as applying too much pressure can wear away enamel and cause gum recession.
Eat a Healthy Diet and Limit Sugar
Most kids are used to hearing sugar will rot their teeth – and that’s not just a parental scare tactic to get their little hands out of the candy jar. Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth, producing acid that can cause cavities and gum disease. For a diet your heart and teeth will both appreciate, prioritize vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats, while limiting added sugars and refined carbohydrates.
Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products
The connection between smoking and oral disease is well established: smokers face significantly higher risks of developing periodontal disease, losing teeth or being diagnosed with oral cancer. Cigarettes aren’t the only form of tobacco to worry about, either. Vaping, dipping and chewing tobacco can also harm your dental health by drying out your mouth and restricting blood flow to the gums. Since these products are also harmful to heart health, quitting or avoiding them offers plenty of worthwhile benefits. Seek support if you need help to kick the habit.
Communicate with Your Healthcare Team
Since your body’s systems are connected to each other, it’s helpful to talk to your dentist about your blood pressure and to your doctor about your oral health. Start thinking of your dentist as a key member of your integrated healthcare team. Don’t be afraid to share your medical history, discuss the side effects of any medications you’re taking and ask for personalized recommendations on caring for your teeth, gums and overall health.
To learn more about how to improve your oral and cardiovascular health, visit Heart.org/OralHealth.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
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