Horsehair Worm

Natural Habitat

Typically found in freshwater environments such as streams, ponds, and rain barrels, as well as damp soil.

Diet & Feeding

As larvae, they are internal parasites of insects (like crickets and beetles); adults do not eat as they lack functional digestive systems.

Behavior Patterns

They exhibit 'mind control' behavior by compelling their insect hosts to seek water, where the adult worm emerges to mate; adults are often found knotted together in large groups.

Risks & Benefits

They are completely harmless to humans, pets, and plants; they provide an ecological benefit by naturally controlling populations of pest insects like grasshoppers and crickets.

Identified on: 1/4/2026