Zombie Bees

Researchers at San Francisco State University have identified a parasitic fly that preys on honeybees, turning them into "zombies."

The tiny fly has been linked to colony collapse disorder (CCD), the disappearance of worker bees from a colony.

The new theory involves the parasitic fly Apocephalus borealis, which is already known to attack bumble bees.

Evidence has now emerged of the fly targeting honey bees.

The insect lays its eggs in the abdomens of bees, which start displaying 'zombie' behaviour, abandoning their hives en masse to congregate near lights. Finally they die, and the fly larvae emerge from their bodies.

U.S. scientists noted that hive abandonment is a primary feature of CCD.

With maggots munching on their innards, bees would logically display unusual or "zombie" behavior.