Zombie Snails

A worm call Leucochloridium needs to reach a bird’s stomach in order to reproduce and spread in the bird’s waste. How it gets there sounds like science fiction! By infesting a snail’s eyestalks and controlling its brain, this parasite sends the snail into the open with eyestalks that now resemble caterpillars, which are a bird’s favorite snack. Readers are introduced to the poor zombie snail and its role in the parasite-host relationship. Full-color photographs showcase the incredible changes the snail undergoes once infected by the parasite. Fascinating fact boxes and main content offer readers the gross, but cool, details.