That title will really grab you! This week's Science Talk was given by Leah Sloan on research that she has conducted on a parasitic barnacle that infects Alaskan King Crabs. While you may be imagining a whitish, hard-shelled barnacle, the type that attaches to shells, docks, and other marine structures, this parasite looks nothing like that in its adult stage. Although the juvenile (nauplius larvae stage) has the same characteristics as other barnacle nauplius larvae, the adult is very different. As a juvenile, the barnacle (Briarosaccus regalis) injects parts of itself into the king crab and forms a rootlike network. Eventually, the parasitic barnacle is able to get the king crab to tend the barnacle's developing eggs. While not directly killing the crab, this barnacle behavior diverts energy resources away from king crab reproduction. Sometimes, fact is stranger than fiction, and maybe zombies really do exist .....
Red king crab. Image courtesy of http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/Education/oceanlife/crabs/red_crab.htm
King crab infected with Briarosaccus regalis. Photo by Leah Sloan from http://news.uaf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/DSCF4276-600x450.jpg
Question and Answer
Question: How many species of king crab are found in Alaska?
Mystery Photo Answer: This is a miniature Arctic snowman, complete with raisin eyes (eyes were not left on the ice!).