Parasites are way cool because

Sunday, September 7, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.

Allan Yap Theatre

Included with museum admission or membership

Though at times it may be refreshing to have decisions made for us, the ability to choose how we spend our days is something we non-parasitized may take for granted. From fungi, to nematodes, to wasps, some parasitic species have adapted the amazing ability to manipulate their host’s behaviour in a way that goes beyond the horror of any Alfred Hitchcock film.

Doctoral student Kaylee Byers will explore the fascinating world of host-parasite interactions – where the microscopic have tremendous influences. We will discuss the diversity of parasites that manipulate not only host behavior but also host appearance; all in an effort to complete their life cycle and start the process all over again.

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Leucochloridium – parasitic worm that uses snails and slugs as an intermediate host. They change the eyes of the snails to make them look like caterpillars to entice birds to eat them. Once inside the bird the parasite lays it eggs.