Dead Hoverflies Mystery

[Rossco]

I think the parasites that normally control the tiny minds of fish are trematodes. One species that has been well studied is this:
Euhaplorchis californiensis

The life cycles of trematodes are so complex I bet the majority of species modify the behaviour of their hosts, especially the poor intermediate host that normally ends up being forced into the talons/beak/claws/mouth of a predator.

[Sienna]

Quite fascinant the world of parasites There are similar histories about fish that get an parasite, so the fish go to the surface where it is caught by a bird and like that the parasite can be jumping from animal to its definitive host.

Amazing isn’t it? I never realised quite how interesting it would be!

It is a little like a halloween story, the parasite take the will of the host.

You’re right, the perfect time to bring it up. Who needs ghost stories?

Sienna

[Sienna]

This is a fly I photographed earlier this year that has the Entomophthora fungal infection.

Great picture and amazing fungus

I find I’m looking at the dead insects I find a little closer now <g>

Sienna