Killer Parasite that Drowns its Victims Spotted in Hudson Valley

One of the creepiest animals in existence was just spotted in the Hudson Valley. The good news it that they don't have opposable thumbs so they can't sneak into your bedroom at night... the bad news is everything else.

Our corner of New York is full of beautiful natural wonders, but for every fluffy bunny or baby bird, there are some not-so-savory creatures. From the multiple carnivorous plants that live in New York's wetlands to the myriad predators stalking in our backyards, there's two sides of every coin. Few can compare, however, to the horsehair worm.

This creepy-looking worm was recently spotted in the Hudson Valley, NY (
Animal Fact Files via YouTube)

Strange Worm Spotted in the Hudson Valley, NY

"What is this wild nope I saw in my driveway?!", came the question in a local Hudson Valley Facebook group. The accompanying photos and videos showed what looked like a wriggling piece of spaghetti on the blacktop. The answer was much more sinister.

A horsehair worm exiting the body of a praying mantis it had invaded. The larvae compel their hosts to seek a water source, where the developed worm will emerge (
Animal Fact Files via YouTube)

Horsehair Worms in the Hudson Valley, NY

The animal in question was the horsehair worm. Found in bodies of water ranging from ponds and puddles to residential pools and animal drinking troughs, certain insects like crickets and the praying mantis are at risk from a parasitic takeover from the worm's larvae. From the Wildlife Trusts:

Some species of horsehair worms [have] the ability to highjack the host’s nervous system, altering their behavior to make them actively seek out water... [hosts] jump into waterbodies, drowning themselves when the horsehair worm reaches its adult stage.

Which Animals are Harmed by Horsehair Worm?

Thankfully, horsehair worms can only parasitize invertebrates, meaning that creatures ranging from humans to birds (and everyone else with a spine) are safe from the water-loving animals. That might not stop this video (below) from giving you nightmares, however.

While horsehair worms are thankfully non-invasive and non-human hunting, there are still plenty of plants and animals in New York state to give us a headache. Check out the worst offenders below.

5 of New York's Most Devastating Invasive Species

Here are 5 species that have invaded New York State and in some cases they must be killed. We are talking about fish that walk on land, plants that cause severe burns and insects that could wipe out a variety of crops that we rely on.

Keep an eye out for these species and you hike, work around the yard or do some fishing this year. Should you locate any of these it is important to report where and when you found them to the New York State DEC.

Gallery Credit: Karolyi