The Parasites Inside This Praying Mantis Will Give You Nightmares

This praying mantis is in a world of trouble.

Its whole abdomen is full of worm-like parasites. Witness the horrific sight of parasites inside of this praying mantis.

Praying mantises are the gardener's best friend. They eat the harmful insects that feast on your plants. But these voracious beneficial predators have an enemy besides birds: it is a worm-like parasite called the Chordodes formosanus. This nasty parasite lives inside of the insect's abdomen, eating it alive from the inside out. Mother Nature sure can be cruel.

If you have never encountered such a parasite, this video is downright terrifying. We certainly will be cooking our food thoroughly and washing are hands well to avoid this nasty parasite's cousins that can live in human hosts.

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