Horsehair Worm (Gordian Worm)

Damp environments, mud, puddles, streams, water troughs, and wet soil.

Parasitic during larval stage on insects (crickets, grasshoppers, beetles); adults do not feed.

Larvae develop internally within insect hosts. Once fully grown, they manipulate the host to seek water, emerging as free-living aquatic adults to mate.

Harmless to humans, pets, livestock, and plants. Benefits the ecosystem by naturally controlling populations of pest insects like crickets and grasshoppers.