MsQuizzical

By MsQuizzical

Zombie Grasshopper And Tachina

I've seen this once before. A common field grasshopper has been infected with a fungus which alters its behaviour. It climbs to the top of the grass and clings on tightly. Something that it would not ordinarily do. That's why it is known as a zombie grasshopper. It dies and the fungus takes hold. The fungus spores can be easily dispersed from the elevated position.

A common Tachina on an achillea. The larvae of these spiky flies are parasites of caterpillars and young insects.   

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