That's nothing. (well, actually, it's something, and it's something awesome) - but, check out Alex Wild, an exceptional entomologist, evolutionary biologist, and taxonomist and photographer at his blog Myrmecos posted by redbeard at 8:53 PM on June 21, 2010 [1 favorite]
Yeah, well, your favorite entomological photographer sucks, redbeard!
(but really, Wild's blog is pretty cool in its own right. Thanks for linking it) posted by Ufez Jones at 9:09 PM on June 21, 2010 [1 favorite]
Listen to the end of the interview to hear about his encounter with the botfly (oh god the mental images). posted by QuarterlyProphet at 9:58 PM on June 21, 2010
QuarterlyProphet, I was similarly affected by that anecdote—to the point where I will now select travel destinations mainly based on how likely a botfly infestation is.
Great interview otherwise, though! Thanks for this post, because I did want to look up his photos. posted by theredpen at 2:45 AM on June 22, 2010
Scroll to the bottom of the first link and note the tiny red bug crawling across his logo. posted by Devils Rancher at 4:47 AM on June 22, 2010
Scroll to the bottom of the first link and note the tiny red bug crawling across his logo.
QuarterlyProphet Not only his encounter with the botfly, but the fact that he stopped to chat view some slides while holding the newly hatched larvae in his hand. Eesh. posted by Constant Reader at 7:56 AM on June 22, 2010
The botfly anecdote was nothing compared to Guinea Worms. Jimmy Carter's Foundation has done a bunch of work reaching out to remote African villages to teach people how to prevent contraction of these parasites.
I heard an interview with President Carter a month or so ago about Guinea Worms. I've got a pretty strong stomach, but just hearing descriptions made me feel faint and queasy. It's truly horrifying.
Here's the Wikipedia entry. If you want to explore more, you're on your damn own.
posted by redbeard at 8:53 PM on June 21, 2010 [1 favorite]