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Rise of the Zombie Bugs: The Surprising Science of Parasitic Mind-Control
Zombies aren't just the stuff of nightmares. Explore the fascinating world of real-life insect zombification.
Zombies are all around us—insect zombies, that is. In Rise of the Zombie Bugs, Mindy Weisberger explores the eerie yet fascinating phenomenon of real-life zombification in the insect class and among other invertebrates. Zombifying parasites reproduce by rewriting their victims' neurochemistry, transforming them into the "walking " armies of cicadas, spiders, and other hosts that helplessly follow a zombifier's commands, living only to serve the parasite's needs until death's sweet release (and often beyond).
Through vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling, Weisberger explains the sinister mechanics of nature's most cunning survival strategies, including the biological marvels and evolutionary intricacies behind zombie ants, mind-controlled beetles, and the fungi and viruses that reprogram their hosts' behavior. Blending scientific rigor with a flair for the macabre, Weisberger takes readers on a global journey—from Brazilian rainforests to European meadows—to uncover the dark secrets of parasitic manipulation.
Her examination of these creatures seeks to answer fundamental questions of their why is a bug's world full of zombies, why are arthropods so susceptible to this zombification, and could the creators of zombie bugs ever evolve to do the same to people? Perfect for fans of horror and science alike, Rise of the Zombie Bugs offers a chilling yet enlightening look at the hidden world of parasites. It's a must-read for anyone curious about the true terrors lurking in nature's undergrowth and the unnerving beauty of evolution's darker side.
Zombies are all around us—insect zombies, that is. In Rise of the Zombie Bugs, Mindy Weisberger explores the eerie yet fascinating phenomenon of real-life zombification in the insect class and among other invertebrates. Zombifying parasites reproduce by rewriting their victims' neurochemistry, transforming them into the "walking " armies of cicadas, spiders, and other hosts that helplessly follow a zombifier's commands, living only to serve the parasite's needs until death's sweet release (and often beyond).
Through vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling, Weisberger explains the sinister mechanics of nature's most cunning survival strategies, including the biological marvels and evolutionary intricacies behind zombie ants, mind-controlled beetles, and the fungi and viruses that reprogram their hosts' behavior. Blending scientific rigor with a flair for the macabre, Weisberger takes readers on a global journey—from Brazilian rainforests to European meadows—to uncover the dark secrets of parasitic manipulation.
Her examination of these creatures seeks to answer fundamental questions of their why is a bug's world full of zombies, why are arthropods so susceptible to this zombification, and could the creators of zombie bugs ever evolve to do the same to people? Perfect for fans of horror and science alike, Rise of the Zombie Bugs offers a chilling yet enlightening look at the hidden world of parasites. It's a must-read for anyone curious about the true terrors lurking in nature's undergrowth and the unnerving beauty of evolution's darker side.
296 pages, Hardcover
First published April 15, 2025
15 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 4, 2025
I know nothing about entomology, I’ve never really been interested in bugs or fungi…but this book might have sparked a curiousity! I’m finding myself looking closely at bugs around my yard and seeing if I can spot a “zombified bug”. Even if you’re not into this subject per say, it is a very enjoyable book and the author does a good job of not only informing you but entertaining you!
August 16, 2025
Cordyceps sinensis is known to those that follow natural history, being a fungus that attacks moths, causes them to climb up a twig while consuming their bodies, then taking advantage of the high perch to release spores. Ground up carcasses are a traditional Chinese medicine.
It turns out that many other examples of this conversion of small animals (mostly insects) into zombies for the parasite's advantage are found in nature. Weisberger describes numerous other such conversions and relates what is known about the mechanisms used by the parasites to control their hosts.
3
Similar to Cordyceps, other fungi parasitize flies, beetles and millipedes positioning them for the effective dispersal of spores.
4
Of the 3000 species of cicada, only seven are periodic. These species are attacked by the fungus Massospora cicadina which eats the abdomens only so that the insects continue to fly, mate and disperse spores. The fungus is dormant during the resting phase of the cicada. The amphetamine cathinone is found in infected insects which improves the endurance of the badly damaged hosts. It is not clear whether the fungus produces cathinone or stimulates the cicada to produce it.
5
The Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (NPV) attacks certain moths, most notably the imported gypsy moth, causing them to climb from where viral particles are distributed. The virus exudes the enzyme EGT which interferes with the caterpillar's normal inclination to climb downwards to molt.
6
Cotesia congregata wasps lay their eggs on caterpillars, injecting polydnaviruses at the same time. The larvae eventually emerge through the back of the caterpillars. The virus causes the caterpillars to quit eating as otherwise they would consume the larvae.
7
Certain ichneumonid wasps lay their eggs on spiders which subsequently change their web construction to support a cocoon for the wasp larvae. The wasp larvae produce ecdysteriods which cause the spiders to build a molting web.
Some jewel wasps attack cockroaches, leaving them dazed to the point where the wasps can lead the cockroaches to a secure spot where the wasp larvae can develop within the cockroaches.
Green-eyed wasps attack ladybugs, laying their eggs in them. These hatch, causing the ladybugs to stop feeding and become immobile. The wasp larvae spin a cocoon under the ladybugs, which protects them until they hatch. The wasps use a virus to induce the changes in the ladybugs.
8
Some phorid flies lay their eggs on ants, subsequently moving into the heads of the ants. The ant behavior is controlled to make them leave the nest when the larvae are ready to pupate. Eventually the ants heads fall off. Phorid species specific to the imported fire ant (S. invicta and S. richteri) have been imported into the U.S. to help control the ants.
The phorid Apocephalus borealis is native to the Americas, but recently taken to parasitizing honey bees, which are non-native. They cause the bees to wander away from the hives. As honeybees have spread around the world, this change may lead to the phorids spreading around the world.
9
Mature hairworms live in the water, but the larvae live in various insects. As the larvae mature, they prompt the host insects to move towards the water. It appears that the insects find water by looking for the polarization of the reflected light.
The nematodes Myrmeconema neotropicum infect the ants Cephalotes atratus, producing eggs in the gasters and turning them red - reminiscent of fruits. They appear to affect the behavior of the ants in ways of making them more visible. It appears that birds then prey on them, pooping out the nematodes from the tree tops.
At least ten species of Leucochloridium flatworms reproduce in the intestines of birds. To reach more birds, they target snails which eat the bird feces.
10
The rabies virus attacks mammals, most notably dogs, traveling to the brain and causing an aggressive behavior that includes biting other animals for the further transmission of the virus. When humans are infected, the aggression and irritability are exhibited.
As a final note on zombie effects on humans, Weisberger discusses the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii which reproduces in felines but is passed through rodents. The protozoan makes rats less fearful and therefore easier prey for cats. Toxoplasma infects a large part of the human population with a variety of effects being reported.
It turns out that many other examples of this conversion of small animals (mostly insects) into zombies for the parasite's advantage are found in nature. Weisberger describes numerous other such conversions and relates what is known about the mechanisms used by the parasites to control their hosts.
3
Similar to Cordyceps, other fungi parasitize flies, beetles and millipedes positioning them for the effective dispersal of spores.
4
Of the 3000 species of cicada, only seven are periodic. These species are attacked by the fungus Massospora cicadina which eats the abdomens only so that the insects continue to fly, mate and disperse spores. The fungus is dormant during the resting phase of the cicada. The amphetamine cathinone is found in infected insects which improves the endurance of the badly damaged hosts. It is not clear whether the fungus produces cathinone or stimulates the cicada to produce it.
5
The Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (NPV) attacks certain moths, most notably the imported gypsy moth, causing them to climb from where viral particles are distributed. The virus exudes the enzyme EGT which interferes with the caterpillar's normal inclination to climb downwards to molt.
6
Cotesia congregata wasps lay their eggs on caterpillars, injecting polydnaviruses at the same time. The larvae eventually emerge through the back of the caterpillars. The virus causes the caterpillars to quit eating as otherwise they would consume the larvae.
7
Certain ichneumonid wasps lay their eggs on spiders which subsequently change their web construction to support a cocoon for the wasp larvae. The wasp larvae produce ecdysteriods which cause the spiders to build a molting web.
Some jewel wasps attack cockroaches, leaving them dazed to the point where the wasps can lead the cockroaches to a secure spot where the wasp larvae can develop within the cockroaches.
Green-eyed wasps attack ladybugs, laying their eggs in them. These hatch, causing the ladybugs to stop feeding and become immobile. The wasp larvae spin a cocoon under the ladybugs, which protects them until they hatch. The wasps use a virus to induce the changes in the ladybugs.
8
Some phorid flies lay their eggs on ants, subsequently moving into the heads of the ants. The ant behavior is controlled to make them leave the nest when the larvae are ready to pupate. Eventually the ants heads fall off. Phorid species specific to the imported fire ant (S. invicta and S. richteri) have been imported into the U.S. to help control the ants.
The phorid Apocephalus borealis is native to the Americas, but recently taken to parasitizing honey bees, which are non-native. They cause the bees to wander away from the hives. As honeybees have spread around the world, this change may lead to the phorids spreading around the world.
9
Mature hairworms live in the water, but the larvae live in various insects. As the larvae mature, they prompt the host insects to move towards the water. It appears that the insects find water by looking for the polarization of the reflected light.
The nematodes Myrmeconema neotropicum infect the ants Cephalotes atratus, producing eggs in the gasters and turning them red - reminiscent of fruits. They appear to affect the behavior of the ants in ways of making them more visible. It appears that birds then prey on them, pooping out the nematodes from the tree tops.
At least ten species of Leucochloridium flatworms reproduce in the intestines of birds. To reach more birds, they target snails which eat the bird feces.
10
The rabies virus attacks mammals, most notably dogs, traveling to the brain and causing an aggressive behavior that includes biting other animals for the further transmission of the virus. When humans are infected, the aggression and irritability are exhibited.
As a final note on zombie effects on humans, Weisberger discusses the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii which reproduces in felines but is passed through rodents. The protozoan makes rats less fearful and therefore easier prey for cats. Toxoplasma infects a large part of the human population with a variety of effects being reported.
November 27, 2025
BEST BOOK I READ ALL YEAR!!!
As an arthropod enthusiast with a huge zombie obession, this book caught my eye the moment I set my eyes on it! For a good reason!
The means of parasitism are so interesting, even if in a gruesome way! I really enjoyed reading about sexual mind controll in flies (E. muscae) and cicadas (M. cicadina). But also...learning about xenomorph-like chest-bursting insects like Darwin wasps or other endoparasites such as the order Strepsiptera is so sad yet cool and otherwordly!! There is also a brief mention of prehistoric pathogens and "zombie dinosaurs" which is - fascinating! I LOVED this book!
I was also able to identify many instances of "zombification" I had seen during my lifetime, but had no idea about: phorid flies, but mainly a rather upsetting encounter I had as a child with a hairworm parasitising a cricket!!! Well, now I know!
Right in the end, we also get to read about zombification agents in humans, discussing the mechanisms of rabies and taxoplasmosis...and learning about CDC plans and the Zombie Apocalypse Medicine Meeting which, I knew nothing about! As a medical student this is great news! What a cool thing!
Thanks to the author for such a thorough job, as well as enhancing my wonder for microbiology! And bugs! What a find! :) Would recommend this 100%
As an arthropod enthusiast with a huge zombie obession, this book caught my eye the moment I set my eyes on it! For a good reason!
The means of parasitism are so interesting, even if in a gruesome way! I really enjoyed reading about sexual mind controll in flies (E. muscae) and cicadas (M. cicadina). But also...learning about xenomorph-like chest-bursting insects like Darwin wasps or other endoparasites such as the order Strepsiptera is so sad yet cool and otherwordly!! There is also a brief mention of prehistoric pathogens and "zombie dinosaurs" which is - fascinating! I LOVED this book!
I was also able to identify many instances of "zombification" I had seen during my lifetime, but had no idea about: phorid flies, but mainly a rather upsetting encounter I had as a child with a hairworm parasitising a cricket!!! Well, now I know!
Right in the end, we also get to read about zombification agents in humans, discussing the mechanisms of rabies and taxoplasmosis...and learning about CDC plans and the Zombie Apocalypse Medicine Meeting which, I knew nothing about! As a medical student this is great news! What a cool thing!
Thanks to the author for such a thorough job, as well as enhancing my wonder for microbiology! And bugs! What a find! :) Would recommend this 100%
June 19, 2025
It's an extremely interesting book pointing out the horrifying possibilities presented by Fungus, bacteria, and viruses in relation to animals of all genres and species! It does get a little boring in the middle when it seems to be presenting the same symptoms and outcomes for individual species, but it comes around in the end to relate it to common diseases, and how it all relates.
And I liked that it presented the book _The Girl with all the Gifts_ (which my daughter's mother in law had just recommended to me in a totally unrelated context) which gives a picture of a kind of external zombification as it might pertain to actual people. I started reading that...
And I liked that it presented the book _The Girl with all the Gifts_ (which my daughter's mother in law had just recommended to me in a totally unrelated context) which gives a picture of a kind of external zombification as it might pertain to actual people. I started reading that...
August 29, 2025
Random quote from book:
“So submissive and lethargic is the now-zombified cockroach that it doesn’t even flinch when the wasp bites off the roach’s antennae and uses them as straws to slurp its victim’s hemolymph.”
If it’s been awhile since your mind was blown by the sheer amazing power of evolution and you don’t mind reading about some utterly revolting or disturbing stuff, then this book is for you. I encourage you not to be put off by the prospect of zombie cockroaches and dive into this really wonderful book. You won’t look at the world the same way again.
“So submissive and lethargic is the now-zombified cockroach that it doesn’t even flinch when the wasp bites off the roach’s antennae and uses them as straws to slurp its victim’s hemolymph.”
If it’s been awhile since your mind was blown by the sheer amazing power of evolution and you don’t mind reading about some utterly revolting or disturbing stuff, then this book is for you. I encourage you not to be put off by the prospect of zombie cockroaches and dive into this really wonderful book. You won’t look at the world the same way again.
July 19, 2025
Great read - let’s just say it feels good to be a vertebrate right about now.
September 1, 2025
YOUNG STROKER
December 26, 2025
What it says on the label: Zombie. Bugs.
With a good handful or so of closeup photos of parasitized bugs.
And some thoughts on pop culture and social issues tying it all together.
With a good handful or so of closeup photos of parasitized bugs.
And some thoughts on pop culture and social issues tying it all together.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews