Fun fact: Horsehair worms are harmless to humans, but parasitic to certain insects. These worms are notorious for their ability to mind control their insect hosts, like crickets for instance! They do this by altering their behavior — driving them to bodies of water and ultimately drowning their cricket host, completing the parasite’s lifecycle. The worms then exit out their host’s exoskeleton through holes. Another fun fact, horsehair worms can grow up to 2 feet long. 🌈🪱 Video of horsehair wor

Horsehair worms are known to manipulate their insect hosts—such as crickets, praying mantises, and other species—by compelling them to seek out water and leap in, effectively causing their own death. This striking behavior is a well-documented example of parasitic control. As the worm matures inside the host, it produces proteins that interfere with the insect’s central nervous system, altering its behavior. These chemical signals override the host’s instincts, driving it to find a water source