nematomorph

A worm-like parasite called a nematomorph escapes its cricket host.

Parasite Rex

Thanks to Andreas Schmidt-Rhaesa for the photograph of the nematomorph (photo insert, p.10) originally published in Schmidt-Rhaesa, et al., Journal of Natural History 34 (2000): p. 338, by Taylor & Francis, Ltd.

Parasite Rex

If I am ever offered a nematomorph to eat, I will pass the plate.

So many phyla so little time to eat them all

The nematomorph hairworm Spinochordodes tellinii develops inside land-dwelling grasshoppers and crickets until the time comes for the worm to transform into an aquatic adult.

Lynn Margulis: "Definitely a Darwinist" - The Panda's Thumb