BY MARK WORGAN Scientists have identified a new species of spider in the Ecuadorian Amazon that disguises itself as a parasitic fungus similar to that depicted in the computer game and TV series The Last of Us. Researchers say the species, named Taczanowskia waska, is the first known example of its kind. It has been described by an international team of researchers, including experts from the Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (LIB). Their findings have been published in the scientific journal Zootaxa. The spider was discovered in the Llanganates-Sangay Corridor, a region of Ecuador regarded as one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Researchers said the animal's camouflage was so convincing that it was initially mistaken for a mushroom during a night-time expedition. The spider resembles the fruiting body of a fungus from the genus Gibellula, which infects spiders and takes over their nervous system - similar to those that inspired the parasitic fungus from The Last of Us. The spider has elongated structures on its abdomen and a pale surface that closely resembles fungal growth. The spider also remains motionless on the underside of leaves, the same location where the fungus is commonly found. Scientists believe this combination of appearance and behaviour has evolved to help the spider avoid predators while also improving its chances of catching prey. By blending into its surroundings and appearing to be an unremarkable object, the spider is less likely to be detected and can more easily ambush unsuspecting insects. According to the researchers, this is the first documented case of a spider mimicking a parasitic fungus that infects members of its own group. The finding offers fresh insight into the evolution of mimicry and the ecological role such adaptations can play. The genus Taczanowskia is considered rare and remains poorly understood. Researchers say much of its ecology is still unknown because these spiders are seldom encountered in the wild. Among those involved in the study was Nadine Dupérré of the Museum of Nature Hamburg at LIB, who examined reference specimens from scientific collections and helped classify the new species. The discovery began with an observation posted on the citizen science platform iNaturalist. Users initially debated whether the organism was a mushroom before identifying it as a spider, prompting further scientific investigation. Researchers say the case highlights the growing importance of citizen science in biodiversity research. “Finds like these demonstrate the value of scientific collections. They enable us to classify new species and compare them with historical specimens. Combined with international collaboration and citizen science, this opens up new opportunities for researching biodiversity,” explains Nadine Dupérré. Scientists say the discovery underlines both the extraordinary biodiversity of tropical ecosystems and how much remains to be explored. They add that it also demonstrates the importance of international collaboration and new sources of data in helping researchers better understand global biodiversity. Featuring: Taczanowskia waska. Where: Llanganates-Sangay Corridor, Ecuador When: 10 Aug 2025 Credit: Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change /Cover Images **EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED SUPPLIER.**