Spinochordodes tellinii

TriedandTested · 11 Jan 2007 at 23:24

"The nematomorph hairworm Spinochordodes tellinii is a parasitic worm whose larvae develops in grasshoppers. This parasite is unique in being able to influence its host's nervous system in a manner comparable to mind control. Shortly before it is ready to leave the host, the parasite causes the grasshopper host to jump into water, where the grasshopper will drown."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinochordodes_tellinii

*link removed due to swearing*

Clean link: http://thatvideosite.com/video/3742 didnt notice the comments on youtube.

Creepy.

King4aDay · 11 Jan 2007 at 23:45

There are a number of parasites which can alter their hosts behaviour to improve their transmission cycle. Pretty cool!

iCraig · 11 Jan 2007 at 23:48

Yeah, some organisms can alter the behaviour of a certain fish, probably stickleback, so it's swims right to the surface in full view—so it gets eaten by a heron. The organism needs to get inside that heron to continue/complete it's life-cycle.

Shows how amazing nature is.

Defcon5 · 11 Jan 2007 at 23:48

But officer! The worms made me do it!

/mmm padded walls..

Whitestar · 12 Jan 2007 at 00:00

Anyone else thinking gouald from stargate or is it just me?

Solari · 12 Jan 2007 at 00:04

Holy carp the size of that thing... it must have crushed the cricket's ickle internal organs out to the sides!