Ep. 230 From alien wasps to zombie ants, parasites are all around | #GoodGrowing
It’s a Halloween Spooktacular! While they are usually overlooked, parasites are all around us. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we explore the complex, surprisingly common, and sometimes creepy world of parasites and parasitoids with Dr. Kacie Athey. Learn how these tiny creatures attack and manipulate their hosts, the difference between parasites, parasitoids, and diseases, discover mind-controlling fungi that infect insects, and more!
Watch us on YouTube:
Skip to what you want to know:
02:47 - Welcome, Dr. Kacie Athey!
04:46 – What are parasites? How are they different than diseases?
06:21 - What are some parasites we commonly encounter or affect humans?
09:59 - Parasites 'in the garden' - parasitoid wasps
09:59 - Parasites 'in the garden' - parasitoid wasps
17:22 - Parasitoid wasps and hornworm caterpillars
23:30 - Parasitoid wasps and aphids
25:37 - The (sometimes) bizarre world of hyperparasitoids.
37:33 - Cordyceps - The Last of Us comes to insects
44:28 - A few more examples of parasites manipulating host behavior
48:44 - A few parasitic plants
54:37 - Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!
Contact us!
Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu
Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu
Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing
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Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.
Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk
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Creators and Guests
Host
Chris Enroth
University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator serving Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren Counties
Host
Ken Johnson
University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator serving Calhoun, Cass, Greene, Morgan, and Scott Counties
