Science fiction author: "I have created this extremely alien alien."

Biologists: "We have an insect that does that."

@michael_w_busch

I was thinking Xenomorph (from Alien series), but I am sure there are insects that live inside other organisms in a similar way, not sure if any exit their host and kill their host in the process, Probably, then again that set up may have been the inspiration for the Xenomorph in the first place.

@zleap @michael_w_busch Parasitoids. There are lots of wasps that do that to spiders and other insects.

@Illuminatus @zleap

The parasitoid wasp inspiration for "Alien" was obvious.

It was also apparently inspired by writer Dan O'Bannon's experience with Crohn's disease.

Sign in to participate in the conversation
Qoto Mastodon

QOTO: Question Others to Teach Ourselves
An inclusive, Academic Freedom, instance
All cultures welcome.
Hate speech and harassment strictly forbidden.