The araneopathogenic genus Gibellula (Cordycipitaceae: Hypocreales) in the British Isles, including a new zombie species on orb-weaving cave spiders (Metainae: Tetragnathidae).

The genus ( : ) comprises species pathogenic on and specific to spider hosts. Here, we report on the occurrence of a novel species infecting cave-dwelling, orb-weaving spiders of the sub-family ( ) in the British Isles. The new species, is described and illustrated and its ecology is discussed; leading to the conclusion that infected spiders exhibit behavioural changes similar to those reported for zombie ants. The hidden diversity of the genus in the British Isles is further highlighted based on fungarium records and literature searches. Two spider pathogens, previously assigned to the genus , are now transferred to the genus , based on their synasexual morphs, in accordance with the one fungus-one name initiative: and