Tuesday, 19 November 2013

There's a parasite that kills grasshopers by drowning them!

There's a parasite that kills grasshopers by drowning them!

Spinochordodes tellinii is a nematomorph hairworm that infects grasshoppers and crickets. As adults, the parasitic worms live in water and form writhing masses to breed.




Grasshoppers and crickets ingest the worms' microscopic larvae when they drink the infested water.




The hairworm larvae then develop inside of the insect host. Once grown, they release powerful mind-controlling chemicals that sabotage the insect's central nervous system.




The evil hairworms force the insect to jump into the nearest body of water, where it subsequently drown. Yes, the hairworms actually cause their hosts to commit suicide. The parasites then escape their deceased host and the cycle begins anew.




(Source)












3d wooden brain teasers for you to try via OMG Facts http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/omg-facts/WpAq/~3/SlEjBsfY504/59461

3d wooden brain teasers for you to try from Net Sauce http://netsauce.blogspot.com/2013/11/there-parasite-that-kills-grasshopers.html

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