Zombie horror series The Last of Us might feel a little more real after you learn about a fungus that infects cave spiders and turns them into "zombie" arachnids.

Researchers have found a new species of fungi that infects spiders turning them into 'zombies' in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

It's the stuff of nightmares - or even the hit TV show and video game The Last of Us: a novel fungus that turns its hosts into "zombies". Thankfully, so far, it's only been found in spiders located in several cave systems across the island of Ireland, including the Whitefathers' Caves on the Fermanagh/Cavan border.

Scientists identified a new fungus, Gibellula attenboroughii, infecting cave spiders in Ireland. The fungus manipulates spider behavior, resembling "zombie-ant fungi." Dr. Harry Evans, Emeritus Fellow at CAB International,

A new fungus that infects cave spiders and turns them into "zombies" was discovered in a Victorian gunpowder store at Castle Espie in Northern Ireland during filming for a TV show.

A new fungal species found in Northern Ireland targets orb-weaving spiders, altering their behavior and creating a “zombie” effect.

While filming a documentary in Northern Ireland, a team of scientists discovered a new fungus that appears to manipulate spiders’ behavior–and turn them into “zombies.” The fungus named Gibellula attenboroughii is described in a study published January 24 in the journal Fungal Systematics and Evolution.

The spiders, found within the White Father Caves under Cavan and Fermanagh, are infected with a fungus that effectively turns them into 'zombies'

Ireland is the only place where a unique fungus has been found that infects reclusive spiders in dark caves and turns them into “zombie-like” creatures, according to cave explorer Tim Fogg.

Sci-fi monster seems to have entered the real world, as a mind-controlling strain of fungus has infected spiders in Northern Ireland.