arts
Scientists discover new parasite in jungle that preys on insect-killing "zombie fungus"
By CBS Miami at CBS4 Miami
· June 19, 2026
· 3 min read
Malaysian scientists have discovered a new species of parasitic fungus that preys on "zombie fungus" known to infect insects before subjecting them to a gruesome death. The new species was found in the jungles on Malaysia's part of Borneo, a large island known for its biodiverse rainforests. Samples
Key takeaway It was dubbed a "hyperparasite" because it "effectively parasitizes the primary pathogen," the institute's Deputy Director Jaya Seelan Sathiya Seelan told AFP on Friday.
Why this matters in The Miami
The discovery of a new parasitic fungus in the jungles of Borneo may seem like a distant find, but it has implications for Miami 's own unique ecosystem. As a major hub for Latin American and Caribbean communities, Miami is no stranger to exotic species and the potential risks they pose. The city's proximity to the Everglades and its own struggles with invasive species make the study of parasitic fungi relevant to local conservation efforts. Furthermore, Miami's vulnerability to hurricanes and sea-level rise makes the preservation of tropical ecosystems a pressing concern. The discovery of Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata highlights the importance of understanding the intricate ecological interactions that occur in these ecosystems, and how they can inform strategies for mitigating the impact of invasive species and climate change on local wildlife. As Miami continues to grapple with its own environmental challenges, research like this serves as a reminder of the need for continued investment in conservation and scientific study.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Malaysian scientists have discovered a new species of parasitic fungus that preys on "zombie fungus" known to infect insects before subjecting them to a gruesome death. The new species was found in the jungles on Malaysia's part of Borneo, a large island known for its biodiverse rainforests. Samples
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CBS Miami at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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