"Disco Zombie Snails: The Mind-Controlled Victims of the Green-Banded Broodsac"

1 min read
Source: Livescience.com
"Disco Zombie Snails: The Mind-Controlled Victims of the Green-Banded Broodsac"
Photo: Livescience.com
TL;DR Summary

The green-banded broodsac is a parasitic flatworm that infects amber snails, taking over their bodies and forcing them to dance to attract birds. The parasite replaces the snail's eyestalk, making it blind and causing it to pulsate with colorful disco-like movements. It also infects the snail's brain, controlling its behavior and making it go to well-lit areas where it resembles a caterpillar to birds. Once ingested by a bird, the parasite matures and reproduces, starting the cycle again. The snail can be reinfected if only its tentacle is taken by the bird.

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