Green Spoonworm: Nature's Bizarre Gender Role Reversal
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Livescience.com
The green spoonworm (Bonellia viridis) is a fascinating marine creature found in the northeast Atlantic, known for its unique reproductive strategy and bright green color due to the toxic pigment bonellin. Female spoonworms use their long, spoon-shaped proboscis to feed on organic matter, while males, which are microscopic, live parasitically within the females, serving solely to fertilize eggs. Bonellin not only deters predators but also has potential antibiotic properties, highlighting the importance of studying marine biodiversity for potential benefits.