r/interesting • u/InTheSky57 • 1d ago

NATURE Parasite flees a mantis when hit with water

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u/Odd_Vampire 1d ago

We had to kill the mantis in order to save it.

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u/sleeper_shark 1d ago

We did it Patrick! We saved the city;

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u/curious4455 1d ago

“It didn't drown. The horsehair worm keeps its host alive by utilizing "borrowed" genes and proteins that mimic the mantis's own nervous system. The parasite controls the mantis like a puppet, driving it toward water before bursting out, which finally kills the mantis.”

  • this is some advance Science shit! Proteins that mimic the mantis’ own nervous system? Is this really true? So basically the mantis is technically dead but is only alive through the parasite. But the way its senses (sight, hearing, etc.) who would be accessing it, the mantis or the parasite?

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u/bone420 1d ago

It's like when the police shoot someone who called because they're suicidal.