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The Bug Geek
Insects. Doing Science. Other awesome, geeky stuff.
Photo Friday: Beetles. With worms.
Posted by on August 17, 2012
Yes, I was ignoring my blog this week.
I am working on a new project that developed when some really interesting samples came up from one of our sites in the Northwest Territories – beetles parasitized with hairworms. I’ve posted about these before, but this site is special because there are SO FREAKING MANY OF THEM. It’s crazy. I have a new collaborator in the U.S. who is going to ID the worms for me, and I’ve been working my tail off to get all the hosts ID’d.
Since I’m totally obsessed right now, I thought I’d share my obsession:
Anyone who follows my Twitter or facebook accounts is probably sick to death of hearing about beetles with worms.
I’m sorry.
I promise I’ll try to talk about something other than squiggly things creeping out of beetle’s butts next week, ok?
first thought: oh no! the poor beetles!
second thought: whoa. neat!
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Fascinating!! is it only groundbeetles that they’re after? well at least the worms have taste.
On another note, i started a new blog, beetlebrained is no more. could i convince you to change the link to http://shieldwinged.blogspot.com/?? if so, i’d be grateful. thanks!
I’ve also heard of them in crickets, grasshoppers, and mantids. I don’t think I know of any other groups of beetles that are affected. Pretty cool, eh?
As for your blog…done! 
Glad to be human! and thanks!!
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