"Zombie Ants: Unveiling Nature's Mind-Controlled Puppetry"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Neuroscience News
Ants infected with the lancet liver fluke are manipulated by the parasite to attach to grass blades during cooler temperatures, increasing their chances of being consumed by grazers. Researchers have discovered that temperature serves as a trigger for the ant's behavior, with the infected ants climbing down when the temperature rises to protect themselves from lethal heat. Only one fluke controls the ant's brain, while the rest await transmission in the ant's abdomen. This study sheds light on the sophisticated manipulation tactics of parasites and their impact on host behavior in nature.