The Parasite That Hijacks Ant Brains

This liver fluke turns ants into mindless zombies to complete its life cycle. It forces them to climb to the tops of grass blades and lock their jaws tight until they are eaten by grazing cattle.

To reach its final host, the parasite travels to the ant's brain and physically alters its behavior. When the temperature drops in the evening, the fluke commands the ant to climb upward, making it an easy target for hungry cows or sheep. During the day, the ant returns to its normal routine to avoid the lethal sun. It is a terrifyingly precise example of nature manipulating biology to ensure survival.