top of page


Back to Life
Ophiocordyceps sinensis, or caterpillar fungus, is a parasitic fungus that infects caterpillars of ghost moths. Permissive hosts include...


The Eyelashes
Phrixocephalus cincinnatus begin their life as free-swimming larvae (called a nauplii) (1). After developing to their next larval stage...


The White Spikes
Cotesia congregata is a parasitoid wasp found throughout North America and South America (1). The wasps parasitize caterpillars of sphinx...


The Red Berry
Myrmeconema neotropicum is a nematode parasite that infects ants. The eggs can also use birds for transportation (a paratenic host). Eggs...


On the Grass
Ixodes scapularis, the deer tick or black-legged tick, must feed on blood at each stage of its development. Consequently, it has a...


The Barber's Pole
Haemonchus contortus females look like a barber’s pole because their white ovaries spiral around their intestine and they consume so much...


Parasites & Host Animals with Six Legs
by Dr. Matthew G. Bolek, Oklahoma State University Matthew G. Bolek, Associate Professor Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma...


Parasites & Host Animals with Fins
by Dr. Kevin D. Lafferty, U.S. Geological Survey, and Dr. Chelsea L. Wood, University of Washington Kevin Lafferty, Senior Ecologist...


Parasites & Human Beings
by Dr. Michael J. Yabsley, University of Georgia Michael Yabsley, Professor Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, University...


Panel Discussion - Conserving Parasite Biodiversity: Pros & Cons
Dr. Skylar R. Hopkins, North Carolina State University Dr. Kevin D. Lafferty, U.S Geological Survey Dr. Mackenzie L. Kwak; National...
bottom of page