Horsehair worm

Freshwater environments such as ponds, streams, puddles, and livestock troughs; often found on damp ground or nearby vegetation.

Larvae are internal parasites of insects (such as crickets and beetles); adults do not eat as they lack a functional digestive system.

They are known for their parasite-induced 'mind control' where they cause their insect host to seek out water. Once the host reaches water, the adult worm emerges to mate and lay eggs.

They are harmless to humans, pets, and plants. They are beneficial to the ecosystem by helping to naturally control insect populations, particularly crickets and grasshoppers.