A fungus turns beetles into zombies and makes them die on flowers; scientists say the timing helps infect the next generation
A fungus infects goldenrod soldier beetles, causing them to grip flowers before dying. After death, the fungus alters their bodies, raising wings between midnight and 7 am. These changes occur approximately fifteen to twenty-two hours after the beetles have expired. Infected beetles were found on frost aster and common boneset plants in Arkansas. Fungal outbreaks…
