Parasitic manipulation is a widespread and fascinating phenomenon

Parasitic manipulation, where parasites control the behavior of their hosts, is a complex and pervasive phenomenon that has evolved across different species. Examples include the Ophiocordyceps fungus that infects ants, the jewel wasp that manipulates cockroaches, and the horsehair worm that takes over the bodies of insects. These parasites have evolved intricate ways to ensure their survival and reproduction, from controlling ants to climb vegetation before their death, to manipulating cockroaches to drive them into water. The manipulation is specific to each host-parasite relationship and involves interactions with the host's brain or nervous system. The study of these interactions requires extensive fieldwork and observation, as well as laboratory experiments with infected specimens. While these parasites have complex and fascinating ways of manipulating their hosts, they do not pose a threat to humans.