Scientists have discovered two insects—a fly and an ant—in 99-million-year-old amber from Myanmar, both infected with a parasitic fungus. The fungus appears to control the insects’ behavior, similar to modern “zombie-ant fungi.” The discovery was made by researchers at Yunnan University, China, and is believed to be the earliest evidence of fungus-insect parasitic interaction.

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• 99-million-year-old amber fossil found in Myanmar shows signs of parasitic fungus.
• Fossil includes a fly and a young ant, both visibly infected.
• Fungus seen growing from fly’s head; ant shows behavioral control.
• Identified as early form of Ophiocordyceps, the “zombie-ant” fungus.
• Fungus controls insect, kills it, then spreads spores from high places.
• Discovery made by paleontologist Yuhui Zhuang in Yunnan University, China.
• Fossils scanned in 3D and analyzed under microscope.
• Offers rare insight into early insect-fungus interaction.
• Suggests fungus helped control insect population in dinosaur era.
• Infected fly fossil is extremely rare, making it a major scientific find.