Gallery: Absurd Creature of the Week: This Fly Hijacks an Ant's Brain — Then Pops Its Head Off

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    O hai! A newborn *Pseudacteon litoralis* male emerging from a fire ant's disembodied noodle. *Image: S.D. Porter, USDA-ARS*
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    02

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    A *Pseudacteon litoralis* female attempting to oviposit in a fire ant worker. *Image: S.D. Porter, USDA-ARS*
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    03

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    A fire ant drops some sweet breakdance moves – its only defense against ant-decapitating flies, which abhor the style. Just kidding. The ant is actually adopting a posture that puts its "business end" forward, while at the same time forcing the fly to hover upside down if it wants a good shot at ovipositing. *Image: S.D. Porter, USDA-ARS*
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    04

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    A fly maggot pushes away the mandibles and tongue apparatus to clear its eventual exit path. *Image: S.D. Porter, USDA-ARS*
  • Dorsal and ventral views of pupae removed from ant heads in comparison to one still hiding out at right. Image S.D....
    S.D. Porter
    05

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    Dorsal and ventral views of pupae removed from ant heads in comparison to one still hiding out at right. *Image: S.D. Porter, USDA-ARS*
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    S.D. Porter
    06

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    Dying ant at left gets a good look at what will soon be its fate. Notice the ant second from right has recently had its mouth parts pushed away by the larva in its head. *Image: S.D. Porter, USDA-ARS*
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    Fire ants are major pest in the U.S., and in particular on this guy's hand. *Image: S.D. Porter, USDA-ARS*
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