A research team from the University of Copenhagen discovered that there is a parasite that can control ants and turn them into zombies. It was recorded that the flatworm called Dicrocoelium dendriticum, which found a temporary home in small forest ants, took over the insect’s brain and disrupted their daily rhythms. In this respect reports Behavioral Ecology.
While in the ant’s body, the fluke waits until it reaches the same temperature as sunset or sunrise when the animals leave the anthill. At this point, the parasite forces the temporary host to climb the grass stem. Thus, fluke tries to get into the digestive system of large animals (cows and sheep). If the ant is not eaten by the artiodactyl along with the grass, the parasite releases control until conditions become suitable again.
Scientists noted that the parasites are contained in a special capsule that protects them from the host’s stomach acid. If the ant is eaten, the capsule containing the butterfly will burst and approximately 200 larvae will be released into the body of the cow or deer.
Previous scientists defined It benefits from helminth infection.