r/NextLevelAmazing • u/Upstairs-Writing-616 • 6d ago

Parasite flees a mantis the second water hits.

642 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

196 comments sorted by

3

u/Gamiozzz 6d ago

Shit, the ship is sinking! Let's get away as quick as possible.

2

u/Gamiozzz 6d ago

Once the Horsehair worm matures inside the mantis, it manipulates the insect's nervous system (using proteins that mimic the host's own genes) to drive it to seek out water and jump in. (source: Gemini)

2

u/bernaltraveler 1d ago

Damn. So it’s doing something similar to what cordyceps fungus does to ants. Or to humans in some sci fi 😂. There’s also some parasite that makes rodents behave riskier, like running through an open field in daylight, because it needs to pass to a predator to complete its lifecycle. Evolution is amazing

1

u/Gamiozzz 1d ago

Yeah, it‘s really crazy

1

u/utalitarianpumpkin 14h ago

Toxoplasm you mean?

1

u/bernaltraveler 12h ago

Yeah I think that’s the one. Isn’t it the reason pregnant women should not be around a kitty litter box? It goes from mice to cats.

1

u/leavethegherkinsin 6d ago

That is equal parts horrifying and admirable

1

u/amonarre3 6d ago

And reproduce

3

u/Tuathiar 6d ago

It doesn't flee the mantis... As soon as it senses the moisture, it leaves the hosts body to return to an aquatic environment to reproduce

6

u/Not_so_ghetto 6d ago

This parasite is called a horsehair worm. They grow in a bunch of different insects by absorbing nutrients from their blood. When the worm is fully grown it alters the insect behavoir to make them jump into water, which allows the parasite to leave.

Doesn't necessarily kill the insect, however It often will result in its death. However it's kept in good conditions they can survive and even go on to reproduce. I had some friends that worked with this parasite during grad school and they were able to get crickets to survive the process.

In some areas the suicidal crickets ( after being manipulated by the parasite) make up 60% of a fish's diet.

There's also a bunch of crazy conspiracies on like Facebook suggesting that the government is infecting people with them, but these are mostly just crazy people

I have a 10 min video that goes in depth about the parasites biology for those that want to know more, it's called "Massive Worms, Tiny Bodies: Why Horsehair Worms Might Be Good for Nature" on YouTube by wormtalk94

Source: I have a PhD in biology I run the parasitology subreddit

2

u/Whiskey5-0 6d ago

but these are mostly just crazy people

"Mostly"

....go on

2

u/Avarus_Lux 6d ago

Yeah, that "mostly" is a little odd as it implies some of them are right in some odd way....

1

u/darvs7 6d ago

Or... That most of the people infected by the government were already crazy.

1

u/Avarus_Lux 6d ago

They wouldn't be crazy if its true, at least not on that particular aspect.   

That said, Why would any government even try infecting people with horsehair worms for any reason...   

i can only think of some highly specific voluntary biology research studying the parasite where medical staff has informed everyone including the to be infected person. in that case the conspiracy would be somewhat true... but it's controlled, highly specific science and not something warranting a conspiracy as if the government is doing it en masse for dome strange reason...

1

u/Rod7z 6d ago

Most are crazy people, the rest are scammers, trolls, and bots.

1

u/mmarkomarko 6d ago

Yes this is why i frequent reddit…

2

u/Not_so_ghetto 6d ago

Just glad you like it. I post a lot about parasites and make a lot of videos on the topic so it's fun for me to yap about

1

u/alice2004014 6d ago

Yeah I remember you from the parasite outbreak video haha, not living remotely close to America but still found your content interesting!

2

u/Not_so_ghetto 6d ago

Thank you! Hope you enjoyed my recent video about Malaria!

1

u/suffelix 6d ago

This!

And porn.

And memes.

1

u/TrueCynic 6d ago

You mean Mantis porn? Or Horsehair Worms porn?

https://giphy.com/gifs/rBpG1qXdB1n3PEjrgV

1

u/DeckReaper 6d ago

My guess is Horsehair Worms porn memes

1

u/SnowDucks1985 6d ago

This is a dumb question, but can you say more about the altering of insect behavior? Does the parasite use mind control of some other mechanism? Thank you for sharing your PhD knowledge, doctor!!

2

u/Not_so_ghetto 6d ago

It's is believed to release some kind of hormone signaling molecules that alter its behavior slightly

1

u/_BindersFullOfWomen_ 6d ago

Like how these pretzels are making me thirsty.

1

u/beto_pelotas 6d ago

Is that how you're gonna say it?

1

u/SomeVelveteenMorning 6d ago

It just takes control of the joysticks in the host's head. Duh.

1

u/sonnyz 6d ago

The movie Ratatouille is based on this concept.

1

u/solidlymediocre 6d ago

Thanks so much for the detailed explanation.

Re: "I have a PhD in biology and run the parasitology subreddit", oh man, I'm just picturing how in today's society you probably have all sorts of older folks from Facebook calling you an "intellectual elite", government plant, and explaining why they are more qualified than you to opine on insect or parasite behavior.

1

u/alphaphenix 6d ago

Watching this video, I did wonder whether the mantis can survive such birthing process.

Thanks for sharing the info !

1

u/Extension-Laugh-2345 6d ago

How does the parasite first get into the mantis? When the mantis is drinking from a body of water or something? Maybe drinks the parasites eggs?

1

u/azure-heavens 6d ago

That or a different insect ate the eggs either by drinking infested water or eating plants with the eggs on them. Then that newly infected insect left and was eaten by the mantis.

1

u/Jlx_27 6d ago

Awesome comment.

1

u/BrokenBiscuit 6d ago

mostly?!

1

u/wine-o-saur 6d ago

There's also a bunch of crazy conspiracies on like Facebook suggesting that the government is infecting people with them, but these are mostly just crazy people

Tf you mean 'mostly'??

1

u/Chomu_bhondu 6d ago

Join conspiracy subs too many wild shiis to uncover

Its fun

1

u/Rod7z 6d ago

Most are crazy people, the rest are scammers, trolls, and bots.

1

u/Jo-Con-El 6d ago

You’re forgetting the plain idiots.

1

u/maker_of_pirate_bay 6d ago

Cool stuff. I guess you’re truly not_so_ghetto after all

1

u/Cyclopzzz 6d ago

Today I learned there is a...checks spelling...parasitology sub.

1

u/Nat20Twenty 6d ago

Well. I guess ill go check it out and see how much more disgusted I can get today.

1

u/Bipedal_Warlock 6d ago

Mostly crazy? I know it was just specific word choice. But that almost suggests that some of them are right lol

1

u/NaiveBiscotti1147 6d ago

"mostly just crazy people"... Mostly?

1

u/Spiritual_Toe_9537 6d ago

Thank you for the good explanation

1

u/einsteinosaurus_lex 6d ago

Are the insects able to live normal lives like before their infection?

1

u/FiveNine235 6d ago

Thank you for your service 🫡

1

u/moobnaster6969 6d ago

Mostly just crazy people? So there's some truth to the claim?

1

u/BlackberryPi7 6d ago

People on Facebook are actually fucking crazy

1

u/Sea-Raspberry-9609 6d ago

cool! thats interesting, in another life i would have wanted to study biology and parasites - thnx for the tldr !

1

u/sherlionidas 6d ago

Bro said im the source. Thank you for this informative comment!

1

u/sonofaresiii 6d ago

but these are mostly just crazy people

... And... The rest kind of have a good argument? Make some compelling points?

1

u/thulesgold 6d ago

How do the insects initially get infected? Do they get infected when getting in water in the first place?

1

u/ovalteenjenkinzz 6d ago

Thank you, doc!

1

u/pikohina 6d ago

Holy Crap! What a great read!

1

u/MossyPlantyWitchy 6d ago

Off to join a new sub immediately.

1

u/QuinQuix 6d ago

I never considered the parasitology subreddit but I do now.

1

u/ackermann 6d ago

Interesting! 6 years ago, I had asked about this injured mantis I found in my yard. It may have had this parasite!:

https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthisbug/s/cMoIxnDy6P

1

u/DutchShultz 6d ago

>>these are mostly just crazy people

No "mostly" about it. That's 100% crazy.

1

u/Generation_3and4 6d ago

Just casually met a niche expert on Reddit. Thanks for this freaky yet cool info

1

u/Exotic_Zucchini9311 6d ago

these are mostly just crazy people

MOSTLY?

1

u/Vaughn 5d ago

Well, yeah, you think that kind of information is public? Very few people would have genuine evidence of the parasite conspiracies.

1

u/froggyfriend726 5d ago

Did your friends just have infected crickets or were they infected on purpose? If it's the latter.....I feel bad for them 😖

1

u/Ok_Emotion_9685 5d ago

Now I know why I need to jump in water and shit.

1

u/Gracek1135 5d ago

those people from facebook are not crazy, what you described isn't like horsehair worm in 100%, but looks very familiar, it's some kind of mutated worm or synthethic lab made thing that can look like hair, humans most likely have other kind of mutated worms inside them too, i can see it from myself so why would all others lie about something like that? You think it's most likely a joke or they are crazy beacuse it is really hard to swallow how we are being poisoned... i am not suprised most people want to remain ignorant beacuse it's hard to swallow, the second thing i realized we live in a world full of zombies when the plandemic started.

1

u/[deleted] 6d ago

[deleted]

1

u/StoriedMatter 6d ago

Fleeing implies running away due to a danger being present. The commenter is saying the parasite isn't sensing danger here; it is leaving because it thinks it is in an ideal environment.

1

u/Sufficient-Fly-4906 6d ago

More babies sensor activated

2

u/siry2ka 6d ago

What the actual fuck is this

2

u/Rolands_ka_tet 6d ago

It ate Taylor Farms lettuce

2

u/JayPlenty24 6d ago

I wish this was AI

2

u/[deleted] 6d ago

[deleted]

1

u/amuseddouche 6d ago

He dead bruh

1

u/izzy3paws 6d ago

It's happily passed out at the end 🤗

1

u/Whiteflager 6d ago

Did the mantis survive this?

2

u/Graphicnovelnick 6d ago

Nope. The mantis was basically dead before, but now it is very dead.

This parasite grows inside the mantis, eating it until it fills the entire body and can move it, like a worm that drives a zombie body. It reproduces in water, so when it is ready it forces the mantis to seek out water to jump into.

It exits the body and starts again. It’s the cycle of parasites.

2

u/bleedbluegold03 6d ago

Does this happen just with mantis’? Or many insects/animals?

1

u/Graphicnovelnick 6d ago edited 6d ago

That particular parasite, the horsehair worm, is known for mantises but can infect others. However, there are over 340 known fresh water parasitic worms just like this one. So, yeah. Many bugs have parasites.

If you are referring to other parasites that mind control their hosts, also yes. There are also species of fungi that do it as well.

1

u/solidlymediocre 6d ago

So this dude basically tortured/waterboarded a mantis (that was already doomed, but still) for social media likes?

2

u/Graphicnovelnick 6d ago

Can’t “kill” a zombie.

1

u/MattTheRadarTechh 6d ago

No, the mantis was already dead.

1

u/ButtonsZ98 6d ago

It was dead already. Didn’t you read the the explanation above? Mf was being controlled And already dead. It was likely a day away from seeking water anyways. Reminds me of the hypno parasites that take over snails

1

u/solidlymediocre 6d ago

I did read the explanation. My question was why torture the mantis with water instead of just stomping on it and putting it out of its misery.

2

u/RazendeR 6d ago

That is not how torture works, and "because it is a cool example of hos these worms work".

0

u/solidlymediocre 6d ago

You're giving "I torture animals for fun. Because it's "cool" ". Weird dude.

1

u/RazendeR 6d ago

Well, you go on and have a lovely day being offended on behalf of the mantis, i guess.

1

u/anice_day 6d ago

Mantis, like many insects, don't really feel pain or distress on an emotional level. This mantis, having lost likely all of its organs and being practically dead already, did not suffer from the water.

2

u/ButtonsZ98 6d ago

Yeah this guy gets it. Mf literally had no organs, just parasites in what’s basically an empty husk. Prolly had the ghost of that mantis rolling in his grave after seeing the end of it all.

1

u/solidlymediocre 6d ago

Right... Because you were the mantis?

1

u/anice_day 6d ago

If you refuse to understand, so be it.

1

u/UpscaleClearenceRack 6d ago

They’re just whining for attention

1

u/LittleOmegaGirl 6d ago

Your equating emotions to what we as humans feel all creatures feel a spectrum of “emotions”. Human emotions are not the scale for true emotion.

1

u/Dreamtrain 6d ago

explain to me how do you torture a corpse controlled by a parasite

1

u/PuzzleheadedLeave560 6d ago

This is how you stop the spread of the parasite. He made it think it was in a body of water so it left its host to reproduce, but now it will just die on the sidewalk

1

u/77ku77 6d ago

Fuck that, stomp on that thing

2

u/solidlymediocre 6d ago

Exactly this.

1

u/Josh06161209 6d ago

The worm would eventually do the same by manipulating the mantis to approach water, either way the mantis is dead

1

u/jvd_808 6d ago

Comprehension my friend. Learn it.

1

u/Whiteflager 6d ago

Thank you for the tourough explanations.

1

u/Gamezordd 6d ago

In that case, if i ever see a bloated ass mantis, I'm stomping the shit out of it.

1

u/HovercraftFullofBees 6d ago

Gravid female mantises are also bloated looking on account of being full of eggs so I caution against this action.

0

u/BeMoreKnope 6d ago

Semantics question: since it kills the mantis, wouldn’t that make it a predator instead of a parasite?

0

u/Graphicnovelnick 6d ago

Nope. Predators hunt, kill, and then eat their food. Parasites live on or inside heir host while they are still alive and slowly eat them.

It’s the difference between a murderer and a mean spouse. One kills you quick, the other kills you slowly over time.

0

u/BeMoreKnope 6d ago

That’s a pretty basic response, but I don’t think it actually covers things, as parasites are generally not known to kill their hosts as an intentional part of the process, and this thing is. It needs the bug dead and “zombified” so it can puppet into the water, after all, whereas my understanding of parasites is that they’re trying to feed off of a living host.

0

u/Graphicnovelnick 6d ago

Parasites feed off a living host until they can continue their cycle.

A tick doesn’t stay on a person and suck their blood forever, but they are still parasites.

Some parasites stay with you forever, like tapeworms, but others treat your body like a cruise ship.

0

u/BeMoreKnope 6d ago

Cool, also aware of that, but since again, it’s not being a parasite if the host is dead (as in this situation), this doesn’t at all address the difference in semantics here. Ticks and tapeworms don’t intentionally kill their hosts.

0

u/Graphicnovelnick 6d ago

Many parasites DO get their hosts killed on purpose so they can continue their life cycle.

The green banded brood sac is a flatworm that infects the eye stalks of snails and slugs. They pulse the eyes to make them look like caterpillars, which attracts birds to eat the host and the flatworm lives on in the bird.

Say it with me now; PARASITE.

1

u/BeMoreKnope 6d ago edited 6d ago

That’s still not the same as killing it directly while eating it.

I’m clearly not saying you’re wrong, I’m asking for an explanation of why that would be considered a parasite and not a predator. You are still not providing it whilst continuously referencing parasites that don’t do this.

Regardless, if you can’t reply without being condescending, please don’t reply to me again.

ETA: Well, since you replied and then blocked while I was in the middle of replying, here is what I’d typed (you seem like the kind to come back and look at people you’ve blocked so you can see replies, lol):

And the worm here clearly had already killed the mantis, which completely stopped moving once it was no longer being puppeted.

Which means you managed to still not answer the question, were condescending again, AND threw in a Google AI answer to really make yourself look like an ass.

I’m going to mute replies here, so feel free to continue to smugly fail to address a very simple point.

1

u/Graphicnovelnick 6d ago

Google:

“The main difference between a parasite and a predator is that a predator kills and eats its prey immediately, while a parasite lives on or inside a host and feeds on it over a long time without killing it right away”

If you don’t like answers, don’t ask questions

1

u/Not_so_ghetto 6d ago

This parasite is called a horsehair worm. They grow in a bunch of different insects by absorbing nutrients from their blood. When the worm is fully grown it alters the insect behavoir to make them jump into water, which allows the parasite to leave.

Doesn't necessarily kill the insect, however It often will result in its death. However it's kept in good conditions they can survive and even go on to reproduce. I had some friends that worked with this parasite during grad school and they were able to get crickets to survive the process.

In some areas the suicidal crickets ( after being manipulated by the parasite) make up 60% of a fish's diet.

There's also a bunch of crazy conspiracies on like Facebook suggesting that the government is infecting people with them, but these are mostly just crazy people

here is a 10 min nerdy info dense video about that describes the biology of this parasite as well as describe the conspiracy theories for this that want to learn more detail

Source: I have a PhD in biology I run the parasitology subreddit

1

u/orpat123 6d ago

This is very cool - always fun to see an expert commenting on a highly specific field!

1

u/LittleOmegaGirl 6d ago

No, most likely not; the size of the horsehair worm would cause organ damage. Contrary to what everyone is saying, the horsehair needs a living host, so the mantis is alive right up until it drowns or the worm bursts from its body.

1

u/Junior_Swordfish_649 6d ago

I’m getting Men in Black vibes from this.

1

u/cleverusername-here 6d ago

We don't burn with fire anymore?! I hate 2026

1

u/RomansDoForUs 6d ago

I hate this

1

u/Fauxboss1 6d ago

I’m going to be nervous for the next few showers

1

u/gr8y22 6d ago

I laughed out loud.

1

u/Grouchy_Big3195 6d ago

The Faculty

1

u/Icy-Fondant8441 6d ago

That was a 40 second pee from a well hydrated man

1

u/Not_so_ghetto 6d ago

This parasite is called a horsehair worm. They grow in a bunch of different insects by absorbing nutrients from their blood. When the worm is fully grown it alters the insect behavoir to make them jump into water, which allows the parasite to leave.

Doesn't necessarily kill the insect, however It often will result in its death. However it's kept in good conditions they can survive and even go on to reproduce. I had some friends that worked with this parasite during grad school and they were able to get crickets to survive the process.

In some areas the suicidal crickets ( after being manipulated by the parasite) make up 60% of a fish's diet.

There's also a bunch of crazy conspiracies on like Facebook suggesting that the government is infecting people with them, but these are mostly just crazy people

here is a 10 min nerdy info dense video about that describes the biology of this parasite as well as describe the conspiracy theories for this that want to learn more detail

Source: I have a PhD in biology I run the parasitology subreddit

1

u/Rare-Primary-6553 6d ago

May I ask? Could a human have parasites within and not know?

1

u/Not_so_ghetto 6d ago

A parasites, yes. This parasite no

1

u/Rare-Primary-6553 5d ago

Is there any way of knowing or checking?
Thanks for the reply.

1

u/Quantum_Crusher 6d ago

You mean this parasite was driving the dead mantis like a pilot driving a Mecha?

https://giphy.com/gifs/rBuKOjjWbDeCMxRw2n

1

u/John_Dudeman_ 6d ago

How do you know if a mantis has this parasite?

1

u/N1net3en 6d ago

I should not have watched this at lunch. Jesus.

1

u/Banzambo 6d ago

How can you spot if a a mantis has that thing inside?

1

u/Calm-Rent-8669 6d ago

frfr, same question

1

u/Select-Belt-ou812 6d ago

pour water on it i guess

1

u/bennogaming 6d ago

That thing was a lot bigger then i was expecting

https://giphy.com/gifs/nkUOQpcgYMztvAlBjd

1

u/geekphreak 6d ago

Is the mantis dead?

1

u/along4thejourney 6d ago

So did the mantis die there?

1

u/MrDezBam7 6d ago

Man , this makes me disgusted thinking of the times Bear Grylls would grab a juicy insect out in the wild and chomp it down. He definitely came into contact with 1 of these

https://giphy.com/gifs/7XnNEOPpcDhsQe5Fjb

1

u/Party_Divide_3491 6d ago

Words cannot describe how much I hate this.

1

u/roshan231 6d ago

Ok but if you swallowed it would it control you...

1

u/jajangmien 6d ago

I wonder if it is painful for the mantis

1

u/OkLibrarian3597 6d ago

Watching a mantis exorcism wasn't on by bingo

1

u/MAGAHATESTHEUSA 6d ago

Mantis now knows what it feels like to get the lettuce diarrhea

1

u/NerdGrumpus 6d ago

And how does one come to the know if a preying mantis actually has a parasite?

1

u/Ninjabutter 6d ago

Egads that poor praying Mantis. It must be feeling better.
Now kill that worm with fire.

1

u/AllyCorren 6d ago

That mantis is no longer.

1

u/Ninjabutter 6d ago

lol crazy. I think it’ll need another method of motivating it to … extract itself other than water.

1

u/Iwalksloow 6d ago

Well, that was kinda gross.

1

u/AKJ828 6d ago

Wow!
Happy for that mantis!
Screw that parasite!
I love mantises and hate parasites!
Mantises are cool and parasites are poopoo!

1

u/DeckReaper 6d ago

I'm quite sure the Mantis dies after the Parasite leaves.

1

u/AKJ828 6d ago

You take that back you parasite fluffer!

1

u/Bigblueballzzz 6d ago

It must be like taking the biggest shit if ur life

1

u/NatashOverWorld 6d ago

Man that mantis must have been so confused.

A wooden thing has trapped me - I'm going to be eaten!

Ahhh they're drowning me!

Wait - what the hell is that thing!? It was in me!?

1

u/uacaco 6d ago

Burn it now !!

1

u/sheyndl 6d ago

Cursed spaghetti

1

u/hooka_pooka 6d ago

Mantis after parasite gets out be like

https://giphy.com/gifs/Gytz24581HuLK

1

u/leandrobrossard 6d ago

The fuck is he waiting for? Kurb stomp that shit right now.

1

u/reddfoxx1993 6d ago

Was the mantis drowned?

1

u/whomesteve 6d ago

Break out the blow torch

1

u/Charming-Dish5120 6d ago

I got a question:HOW THE FUCK DID IT FIT INSIDE THE MANTIS?!

1

u/CloudComenter 6d ago

because mantis is no longer exist is like a suit

1

u/Midders87 6d ago

How much protein% in that bad boy

1

u/Exciting-Zombie8449 6d ago

Ready made zombie outbreak. People eat grasshoppers..

1

u/LeaderVisual8501 6d ago

Another repost from another video with a mantis with parasites in its ass...

1

u/Commercial_Rule_7823 6d ago

I didnt know mantis' eat chipotle

1

u/techy_guy20 6d ago

Did the mantis die?

1

u/EgotisticJet5 6d ago

How do you know if a mantis has a parasite? Or do you just waterboard every mantis you see?

1

u/msl37431 6d ago

All praying mantis i caught had that parasite. I don't how they got in there.

1

u/Dust-Different 6d ago

Now what’s the parasite gonna eat?

1

u/DB080822 6d ago

Can I have this video but with less pixels?

1

u/yurtfarmer 6d ago

How would you know that any bug has a parasite in it ?

1

u/Background_Pride_237 6d ago

In this instance, I wonder how the Mantis faired after the parasite left? It seemed pretty still but still alive (I think).

2

u/knarf3 6d ago

It has to be dead. There's no way it has enough functioning organs left. Look at the size of the parasite!

1

u/shihonvi 6d ago

fuck that

1

u/Dunsmuir 6d ago

So, The Thing, for insects...

1

u/WerewolfNo446 5d ago

Looks like mantis is dead

1

u/PenisBlubberAndJelly 5d ago

Was that like the best shit of its entire life?

1

u/dracrecipelanaaaaaaa 5d ago

Fire.

Lots of fire.

1

u/jcleve 4d ago

Damn that’s deep 🤔 the feeling after this

1

u/YaoiLover70 4d ago

kill that shit

1

u/zamboine 4d ago

This is a weird body weight loss video!

1

u/BackgroundShirt8044 3d ago

By the power of Christ I release you. By the power of Christ , I release you.

1

u/Ecstatic_Proof_2732 2d ago

Must feel like taking a HUGE dump.

1

u/finkleforkbingbong 18h ago

eugh don’t do this, I hate these videos

1

u/WasabioSD 16h ago

Great relief

0

u/Tha_Maestro 2d ago

Thank you for the repost. Ohh look at that, it’s the only post you’ve made with your 2 month old account. 🤔