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Message: [QUOTE="OldSnowy, post: 3643164, member: 1467"] It's surprisingly common. Another fine example: [B]"Leucochloridium paradoxum: Parasite for Sore Eyes.[/B] [I]Leucochloridium paradoxum[/I] are a type of fluke (a.k.a., parasitic flatworm) that prey on birds a fascinating turn of events considering they begin their lives as eggs in bird droppings. Thus, the problem facing baby Leucochloridum paradoxum is, "How do I get myself back into one of those feathery things?" Taking a page from Greek history, the infant flatworms rely on Trojan trickery. First, they hang out in the droppings until a snail happens along and eats the bird dung. Then they initiate their devious plan of action by taking up residence in the snails eyestalks. (Sure, it sounds slimy and gross to us, but after a childhood spent living in bird feces, its a step up.) As they mature, the flukes become visible through the snails translucent skin. And thats when things get interesting. To a bird, this fluke-filled eyestalk looks like a caterpillar. So the bird devours the stalk and ends up with a bellyful of Leucochloridium paradoxum that will, of course, lay eggs and begin the cycle again. Meanwhile, the snail shakes its head, shops for an eye patch, and vows never to eat feces again." [/QUOTE]