Darwinbots Forum

General => Biology => Topic started by: asterixx on June 20, 2008, 08:59:50 PM

Title: Voodoo Wasps
Post by: asterixx on June 20, 2008, 08:59:50 PM

Some of you may have seen this already. I thought it was a neat.


Zombie caterpillar controlled by voodoo wasps (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UkDMrG6tog&feature=user)

Title: Voodoo Wasps
Post by: Numsgil on June 20, 2008, 09:38:16 PM

I knew of cases of insect mind control, but this particular case was new to me.  Very cool.  Wonder how the larva get the caterpillar to do that.  Maybe they pinch it like a predator would if they sense too much vibration?

Title: Voodoo Wasps
Post by: asterixx on June 21, 2008, 08:18:38 AM

Quote from: Numsgil

Maybe they pinch it like a predator would if they sense too much vibration?

That could very well be. And I wonder if the motion is just random or if it is specifically directed at a certain disturbance on the caterpillars body.