Zombie Ants

Overview

By Rohan Kashyap And Tyler Cozart

Model Description

This project models a species of fungus, Ophiocordyceps unilateralis. This fungus attacks carpenter ants and enters their body. From there, the fungus takes control of the ant's mind and body, turning it into a 'zombie.' The fungus forces the ant to climb onto a leaf approx. 25 centimeters above the ground. The ant is then forced to clamp its mandibles permanently around the leaf's central vein. The fungus then grows, sending a long stalk through the ant's head, killing the ant. The stalk grows into a large capsule of spores, which in turn infect more ants.

Websites/Software Used

For this project, we used both system and agent models. A system model is a model that represents groups interacting in a system. An agent model is a model that shows individual 'agents' interacting.

  • For our system models, we used a program called VensimPle. VensimPle is a program that allows people to create system models easily. To access our system models, you must have VensimPle, which you can download for free here.
  • For our agent models, we used a website called AgentCubesOnline, which is a website that allows users to create agent models by writing a story of how things interact. To create an account, click here.

    • Sources

  • The Zombie Fungus Takes Over Ants’ Bodies to Control Their Minds - The Atlantic
  • The zombie-ant fungus is under attack, research reveals - Phys.org