Totally. Or any animal really. What's also interesting is that some species of the fungus have evolved to infect only one species. No others

Gives me the creeps

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Michael wrote: This is apparently a T infected with " Cordyceps"

Does anybody know what that is or have any experience with it? ...

One of the more bizarre fungi in the world. And, my experience with it has been minimal. I've personally seen houseflies that had died of an infection by one very common species of Cordyceps. In late fall, look for dead flies that are apparently hanging from walls or window frames. Examine them carefully with a magnifying glass without disturbing them. (The fungal growths tend to be fragile and disturbing the fly usually destroys the fruiting body.) And, be both amazed and revolted!

Actually, I think the Cordyceps infection served as the germinal idea behind the episode of the X Files entitled Firewalker . I have never heard of it infecting any tarantulas in the hobby, but there's always the chance.

And no, you're not necessarily risking an infection by Cordyceps in your pets by merely keeping the cage damp. We disproved spontaneous generation a few centuries ago. You need to somehow bring the spores of the fungus into your home and expose your tarantulas to them. I would be very careful not to touch a wild tarantula that displayed signs of the disease.

And you thought there wasn't anything left in this world that could weird you out any more, right? :happy:


Enjoy your little 8-legged fungus garden!

Have the been any cases of this in South Africa? It sounds so exotic I would love to see a zombie type animal up close, too cool!