When Worms Fly: Insect larvae can survive bird guts

Researchers in Spain have shown a novel way for insects to travel—as larval stowaways in the guts of migrating birds.

BARGAIN FLIGHT. A black-tailed godwit could give stowaway insect larvae a lift, especially during migration, in a newly described way for insects to travel. P. Gil/VIREO

“It’s the first time insects have been shown to be carried inside birds,” reports Andy J.