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Phylum Nematomorpha
Nematomorpha (sometimes called Gordiacea) is a phylum of parasitic animals that are superficially morphologically similar to nematode worms, hence the name. Nematomorphs possess an external cuticle without cilia. Internally, they have only longitudinal muscle and a non-functional gut, with no excretory, respiratory or circulatory systems. The nervous system consists of a nerve ring near the anterior end of the animal, and a ventral nerve cord running along the body. Reproductively, they are dioecious, with the internal fertilization of eggs that are then laid in gelatinous strings. Adults have cylindrical gonads, opening into the cloaca. The larvae have rings of cuticular hooks and terminal stylets that are believed to be used to enter the hosts. Once inside the host, the larvae live inside the haemocoel and absorb nutrients directly through their skin. Development into the adult form takes weeks or months, and the larva moults several times as it grows in size. The adults are mostly free living in freshwater or marine environments, and males and females aggregate into tight balls (Gordian knots) during mating.
Horsehair worms can be discovered in damp areas such as watering troughs, streams, puddles, and cisterns. The adult worms are free living, but the larvae are parasitic on beetles, cockroaches, orthopterans, and crustaceans.
About 351 species are known and a conservative estimate suggests that there may be about 2000 species worldwide. The name "Gordian" stems from the legendary Gordian knot. This relates to the fact that nematomorpha often tie themselves in knots.
9 Comments
How does something that long fit inside a tiny insect?
Nice find Goody. Fascinating creatures.
Yep, she shared her spotting and it appears as though we have identical information. :-)
Goody,Karen L has a spotting on this too.If you need any reference.
I look in temporary pools of water after rains during cooler months. The ones I've seen have always been in shallow sidewalk pools (as you can kind of see in my photos). I believe they congregate there to breed and lay eggs. Then the unsuspecting hosts come by and the larvae attach to and enter them, starting the cycle all over again.
Where/when can you find these?
I usually look for them after rains during cooler months, and they are sometimes fairly easy to find in certain places. I once had a woman bring one in a jar, thinking it was a species of snake. It certainly made for a great conversation! :-)
I think these are amazing creatures - I found one here in Tennessee a coupke of months back http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/812...
Fascinating