What happens when parasitic wasps take over a host's mind?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Evo
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Control Mind
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of parasitic wasps and their impact on host organisms, particularly focusing on the concept of "mind control" exhibited by these wasps. Participants express a mix of fascination and discomfort regarding the complexities of these interactions, exploring both the biological mechanisms and the implications of such behaviors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express amazement at the cleverness of parasitic wasps and their behaviors, noting a lack of understanding about how such complex behaviors and chemical interactions developed.
  • Others convey a sense of horror or discomfort at the idea of parasitic wasps controlling their hosts, with some stating they found the content disturbing.
  • A few participants highlight the duality of nature, describing it as both fascinating and brutal.
  • One participant questions the feasibility of the wasps' mind control, suggesting that the behaviors observed may be influenced by external threats rather than a straightforward control mechanism.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express a mix of fascination and horror, but there is no consensus on the interpretation of the wasps' behaviors or the implications of their interactions with hosts. Multiple competing views regarding the nature of these relationships remain evident.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions reflect a lack of clarity regarding the biological mechanisms involved, and there are unresolved questions about the definitions of "mind control" in this context.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in entomology, parasitology, or the complexities of interspecies relationships may find this discussion engaging.

Biology news on Phys.org
Ack, the only remaining indigenous inhabitant of Ceti Alpha 5!
 
Last edited:
Hurkyl said:
Ack, the only remaining indigenous inhabitant of Seta Alpha 5!
:smile:
 
Wow.. they are so clever :frown:
I never saw it before. It's amazing. I don't have a clue about how they developed that behavior/chemicals.
 
I have seen a lot of very disturbing things in my life. After viewing this, I believe I shall go hide in my closet for the remainder of my life. That was just ...just ...{gag}.
 
Isn't nature wonderful.
 
Now I know what to get my brother for his birthday!
 
Kurdt said:
Isn't nature wonderful.
My thought exactly.
 
  • #10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH3KYBMpxOU


A much nicer inter species relationship.


Parasitic wasp mind control
I think this looks close to impossible. The instructions mother follows are too complicated and her behavior is similar to where she and her larvae are being attacked by other species.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #11
Kurdt said:
Isn't nature wonderful.

Fascinating but brutal, is more what comes to mind.
 
  • #12
I had to shut if off after about 10 seconds. Logically, I'm curious and know better than to be weirded out, but that just made my skin crawl.

edit: In line with Ivan's signature, though... if the wasps had been ingesting Sarah Palin, I would have continued watching and cheered them on.
 

Similar threads

What fraction of adult human cells are not replaced over a normal lifetime ?.
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Medical My 9 millimeter friend not for long I hope
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
How long does it take for a bleeding cut to stop when tightly compressed?
  • · Replies 48 ·
2
Replies
48
Views
48K
Can bacteria be used as a control agent to fight viral infections?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Paranoid About a Bump Behind My Ear? Find Out What It Could Be!
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
5K
Why is rice cultivation responsible for methane emissions?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
What is the "observer" in PID control?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Graduate The Habitable Exoplanet Hunting Project
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Is Alan Turing given too much credit when it comes to computers?
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
6K
Graduate Dasgupta et al., What is the alternative to a unique dS vacua?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K