A relationship that could horrify Darwin: Mindy Weisberger on the skin-crawling reality of insect zombification
A particularly gruesome example of insect zombification occurs when parasitic wasps lay their eggs inside caterpillars. The larvae chew their way through the caterpillar to spin their cocoons on its back. (Image credit: Samuel Ray/Getty Images)
At this very moment, in a corner of your backyard, dozens of wasp larvae may be burrowing through the insides of a caterpillar. After chewing holes in its exoskeleton, these larvae build cocoons on the caterpillar’s back so they can grow into adults while still feeding off their host.
Such parasitism is more common than you think. Some of the most blood-curdling forms of parasitism can transform the host – whether ant, beetle or caterpillar – into a zombie-like puppet that acts according to the whims of the parasite.
In her book “Rise of the Zombie Bugs” (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2025), science writer, media producer and former Live Science senior writer Mindy Weisberger shines a light on the sinister tactics used by parasites to manipulate other critters. Through captivating descriptions of the forms this mind control can take, Weisberger reveals that zombies are all around us – zombie insects, that is.
Key Points
- Parasitic wasps lay their eggs inside caterpillars, leading to gruesome manipulation of the host.
- These wasps’ larvae consume the caterpillar from within, before spinning cocoons on its back.
- Mindy Weisberger’s book discusses the various tactics of parasites that result in behaviour manipulation.
- Notably, the caterpillar affected can be targeted by multiple wasp larvae at once.
- The article reveals horrifying examples of parasitic relationships that have existed for millions of years.
Why should I read this?
If you’re into the weird and wonderful side of nature (and who isn’t?), this article is a must-read! Mindy Weisberger delves into the eerie world of zombifying parasites that manipulate their hosts in creepy ways. It’s a real eye-opener about our backyard ecosystem—perfect for anyone curious about the bizarre tricks nature plays. Don’t miss out!
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