No, that isn’t a leaked image from the upcoming sequel to “The Last of Us.” That’s a real close-up of what was left of a fly’s head after it was infected with the Cordyceps fungus.

For a long time, experts believed that Cordyceps infected the brain of its host, compelling it to engage in these bizarre behaviors. However, new research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences tells a different story. Using 3D Imaging and electron microscopy, a study found that Cordyceps invades the animal’s muscle fibers and leaves the brain intact. That means that the fungus controls what the insect is doing while the insect is fully aware but unable to stop it.

“Some bugs are tolerant of movements and would stay relatively still, while others like a jumping spider would run the moment you come close,” Bustamente wrote. “This would then influence they way you would approach a subject and how you would position the lens accordingly, in anticipation of its next move. It also helps to photograph them at night where they are generally more calm.”