“Native to tropical forests in Asia and South America, the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis fungus has a very specific set of temperature and humidity requirements it needs to thrive and reproduce. Rather than leave it to chance, the fungus recruits nearby carpenter ants to scout out the perfect position. Using its spores, the fungus infects the ants and dramatically changes their behaviour. Instead of working normally alongside their colony, these ants leave their nest, high in the trees, and make their way down to the lower leaves. Once there, the ant clamps down hard on the underside of a leaf in a so-called ‘death grip’. The fungus, having got what it needs, kills the ant.”