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354 Biomimetics: Biologically Inspired Technologies

Figure 13.5 A nettle sting, about 1-mm long. The tip is highly silicious and brittle, so that when it breaks off it
leaves a sharp end like a syringe needle. It contains an irritant poison.

Automeris io (which is related to silkworms) are of two types, both having a poison gland (Gilmer,
1925). The chemical nature of the poisons is not fully known, though they can contain formic acid,
histamines, and enzymes which can dissolve human tissues and cause dermatitis. The spines work
very much like nettle stings. Severe allergic reaction can cause death. The skin bleeds after contact
with caterpillars of the Venezuelan Lonomia achelous which have poison spines containing an
anticoagulant.

13.5.2 Neuro-Implant

Computer implants into the brain that allow for behavioural modification and control. Current
research is experimental in nature and focuses on lab animals such as mice (Alexander et al.,
1996).
There are several (probably many) parasites which affect the behavior of the host to the benefit
of the parasite. The parasite can therefore be thought of reprogramming its host, though of course
the effective agent, being chemical, is far more subtle and would be much easier to administer.
Consider Dicrocoelium dendriticum, a parasitic worm; its main or primary host is sheep. The eggs
are released in the dung of the sheep and are eaten by the snail Cionella lubrica. The eggs develop
and the next stage (cercaria) is released into the snails mucus slime balls (which form in its
respiratory chamber) and deposited on vegetation. Ants (Formica fusca) then eat the slime balls.
Most of the cercaria become dormant in the ant’s abdomen. However, some of them migrate into
the ant’s head where they enter the nervous system of the ant and affect its behavior. As evening
approaches and the air cools, the infected ants, instead of returning to their nest, climb to the top of