Stay Out of the Water!

Stay Out of the Water!

July 8, 2026 · 40 min · Episode 283

About this episode

The episode explores strange parasites and fungi that manipulate their hosts, including a nematode that causes spiders to drown and a fungus that zombifies insects.

Kirk starts us off with a strange nematode parasite that causes spiders to drown themselves. Rachel also takes us to the water but we don't want to get in. She tells us about Lake Natron, a lake that will calcify anything that dies it in it and turn you to stone. Victoria tells us about cordyceps fungus and how it zombifies the insects it infects and causes them to engage in strange behaviors. Join us weekly for more strange nature. Our supporters on Patreon get every episode ad-free! Support us: patreon.com/strangebynature Email us: contact@strangebynaturepodcast.com Visit us at: strangebynaturepodcast.com where you can sign up for our episode emails.

People in this episode

Hosts: Kirk, Rachel, Victoria

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Patreon, Strange by Nature

Books & works: Strange by Nature Podcast

Places: Lake Natron

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