There’s a fungus called Ophiocordyceps unilateralis that infects carpenter ants and takes control of their nervous system.

The fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis infects carpenter ants by releasing spores that latch onto them. Once infected, the fungus essentially takes control of the ant’s nervous system, making it leave its colony and climb up vegetation. The ant bites down on a leaf or twig in a “death grip,” which anchors it in place. Then the fungus kills the ant and sprouts a stalk from its head to release more spores, infecting other ants below.