IT (NOT Stephen King) Trivia Quiz

Answer: Maggots

Maggots are insect larvae in general, and the term is used for green bottle fly larvae in particular when used medicinally. They may also be found in and on any decaying matter, such as rotting things in your garbage. Maggots are nature's cleaners, and the service they provide allows them to thrive as they eat. They have been found useful in forensic science to help determine time of death and other information. Maggots have long been used in medicine to clean wounds when they eat only decayed flesh, and it is necessary to get rid of decay in order to promote healthy growth. Too much of a good thing or the wrong type of maggot can lead to removal of live tissue and Myiasis (infestation and infection). Medicinal maggots are now disinfected before being used. There are about 300 institutes in the U.S. that use Maggot Debridement, and more than three times that number in the U.K.
To keep maggots away from your environment, practice strict hygiene, bag and freeze organic garbage till trash day, and inspect your pets' skin and your own to check for possible entry sites. Maggots have been known to enter any animal through any orifice, and those entering facial orifices may make their way to the brain with disastrous to fatal consequences. Livestock such as sheep may be sprayed, dipped, shaved and cleansed of hair around the backside (dried urine and fecal matter attract maggots). Mulesing (skin removal to tighten skin in the hind quarters) and docking are practices that have caused animal rights groups and others concerns for the animals. There is severe economic impact involved, for example an estimated $170 million dollar loss in Australia's sheep industry every year from maggots. Infestation usually leads to anorexia and death of the host.
Getting rid of maggots is difficult in large livestock breeding areas, as it usually requires pesticides, extreme heat or cold to kill. Once the maggot has reached adulthood it begins the egg laying process all over again.
Be thankful this is NOT a photo quiz, as most humans react negatively even to pictures of maggots.

Answer: Fire ant

Fire ants are very industrious critters, always moving and building their tunnels, mounds and cities. They range in color from shades of red to brown and black. Introduced to the U.S. from South America probably in the 1930s, they quickly spread like wildfire over 13 states, and have been under control in only a few, primarily in the drier southwest. Fire ants have been spread to Puerto Rico and warmer areas of Australia as well. It is quite easy for them to travel as they are small and good at concealing themselves. They have hitchhiked on ships, boats, trains, cars, planes and busses. Efforts at eradication have been put aside because of the side effects on other plants and species of animals; at this point, control is the best that can be hoped for. We may also hope that the fire ant will not adapt to colder climates. They have no natural enemies in North America and are ingested by very few other animals.
Fire ants will eat almost anything organic, and are very aggressive. The strategy of attack for larger animals is to clog up the breathing passages, eyes and ears, to incapacitate the victim. The first ant to bite creates a jerking reaction from the victim which is sensed by the rest of the horde. The ant bites with its mandibles and holding on to that spot swings its body around to inflict stings from its abdomen in a nasty circle. Each sting becomes a raised blister, and allergic reactions or overwhelming numbers of stings can lead to death. Multiple stings can also result in secondary infections
A red streak going up a limb is a sign that the venom is moving toward the heart and the victim should be taken to an ER immediately. Benzedrine is usually given to counteract the venom, and generally makes the victim sleepy.
Fire ants are well named, as they are often reddish, give a 'hot' sting, behave in a hostile manner and love to nest among electrical wires, where they create a major problem by nibbling and causing fires (which draws more ants) and blackouts. Runway and traffic lights have been similarly sabotaged causing problems for planes and other vehicles.
The best way to avoid attacks is to wear shoes when walking in grass or sand, do not wear perfume, or sweet smelling products, and scan the area for ants before you settle down. Foraging ants will lay down a pheremone trail for other ants to follow, so if you see a mound of sand or dirt, stay away from it, the ants consider the area theirs. Being stung over a period of time can cause a sudden painful allergic reaction, which in turn can lead to anaphylactic shock, usually treated with epinephrine. One of the signs of shock is swelling in the extremities and the face; nasal passages can close off, and the windpipe may close; movement is severely impeded. Immediate medical help is mandatory.

Answer: Leeches

Leeches have lent their name to any one or thing that attaches itself to another life form and drains it dry. These bloodsuckers inhabit the waters and pools of tropical climates, and cling to flesh so they can feed. An animal overcome by many leeches can perish by bleeding out, though this seldom happens. In olden times leeches were used in 'bleeding' people who had certain illnesses, and in modern times they have been used for much the same purpose, essentially cleaning the blood of impurities. Only laboratory bred sterile leeches are used now for medicinal purposes, and they have been found to aid in recovery for burn, stroke, hematoma and reconstructive surgery patients, among others.

There are more than 700 species of leech, and they range in size from about 1/4 inch to 18 inches; most of them are fresh water dwellers.

The leech 'Hirudo Medicinis' has saliva that contains a pain dulling substance (for the leeches sake, so it won't be torn off, and for the patient's sake as the leech is seldom felt).

It also contains a strong anticoagulant and healing properties. It has been synthesized to replace heparin for those who are intolerant to it. Leeches are hermaphrodites and engage in mutual fertilisation. Hirudin, the medicinal derivative, is used extensively and further studies are looking into many more uses for this slimy lifesaver. Used leeches are disposed of as hazardous waste. Don't call PETA, this is a necessary practice to avoid contamination from what the critter has ingested.

Answer: Tapeworm

The adult tapeworm has been measured at up to 50 feet long. That's a lot to swallow, but it starts with the egg or larva, which you won't notice. If you ingest the eggs they can move from your digestive tract to organs and tissues to form cysts (invasive infection). If you ingest the larvae they will attach to your intestines and grow to adulthood(intestinal infection) there. The head of the tapeworm secures itself and if not completely removed will regenerate. An adult can live up to about 20 years inside. But, not to worry, it will produce offspring to take its place.
Tapeworms may be found in raw or undercooked meats and may also be picked up during travels to underdeveloped areas or where free range pigs are found. Exposure to livestock may also be a source. Prevention consists of avoiding the causes and practicing strict hygiene. Some of the symptoms of infection can be: nausea, fever, lumps from cystic masses, allergy to the larvae, seizures, bacterial infection. Complications include digestive blockage, meningitis, hydrocephalus, dementia, organ dysfunction and failure, and eventual death. If you suspect an infection, consult a doctor; you will probably have to provide a stool and blood sample and undergo imaging tests to determine what kind of infestation requires treatment so you can be given the right medication. As with most infections, the sooner diagnosed the easier the cure.
Surprisingly, 'sterilised' tapeworm larvae were sold years ago to help people lose weight. The human eats, the tapeworm takes the nutrition, the human wastes away.

Answer: Driver ants

Siafu are well known in parts of Africa, and are avoided when they are on the move, where they number in the millions. Their rate is slow compared to other life forms, but it is comprised of seemingly endless bodies, steady and well protected by large soldier ants on the sidelines.

The term 'army ant' covers hundreds of ant types, but generally the new world ant is referred to as the 'army' ant while the old world type is called a 'driver' ant or 'siafu' in Africa. The colony generally starts movement when they have cleared an area of food and must hunt to find more, and for driver ants anything in their path is food no matter what the size. Thus, these ants kill and eat the more vulnerable animals and the stronger and faster ones thrive. Darwin's theory in practice.

Many ant species use their bodies to create floating rafts to cross water, ladders and bridges across ravines, and whatever maneuvers necessary for survival of the queen and her offspring. Siafu are nature's vacuum cleaners, clearing the land as they march; they rid the earth of dead and decaying flesh, as useful as the Dung beetle which eats waste matter - usually an underappreciated service to humankind. Siafu are also helpful as temporary 'stitches' for a bad cut.

The jaws are applied to either side of the wound, which they hold tightly together, the body is snapped off, and the wound will heal thus or until it can be treated professionally. You might get to choose the particular ant to be sacrificed for this honor and you can suture self!

Answer: Coral snake

If it resembles a pretty bracelet with red, yellow and black bands, do NOT get near it. The Coral snake is not very aggressive, and it doesn't inflict a painful bite like some other snakes, it just nibbles, between fingers, toes, whatever is available.

Unfortunately, if you've been nibbled, you have also been poisoned, and it's not just a hemotoxin, but a much more deadly neurotoxin. This runs through your body and causes paralysis; respiratory failure is usually within a few hours. The Bushmaster and Black Mamba are also venomous snakes: the Bushmaster (Central and South America) is shy while the Mamba (Africa) can be intensely aggressive and will defend its eggs and territory fiercely, killing lions, dogs, or humans with repeated bites. Black Mambas are so called because the inside of the mouth is dark blue to black, while the body tends to be shades of green. Mortality from its bite is close to 100% without aggressive antivenin treatment, and, unfortunately, many parts of Africa do not have it available.

The Indigo snake (Americas) is not venomous, but can bite if annoyed. These three are much larger, longer and darker than the Coral snake, and do not have colorful bands. If you spot the brightly colored Coral snake and you have time, mutter, "Red next to black is the friend of Jack; red next to yellow is the end of Jack." The innocuous snake is often a king snake and will probably scurry off. The safety memo refers only to corals in the U.S., as there are many species in other parts of the world that do not adhere to this rule.

Answer: Lyme disease

Chances are you will never notice the tick itself as it is usually as small as this period ->. Deer ticks live in all 50 states of the US, and get around quite well. They also inhabit many parts of Europe and other continents. For some reason, Connecticut has a disproportionately high percentage of Lyme Disease victims, perhaps because the ticks feel some loyalty to their namesake town of Lyme, where the disease was discovered and named in 1975.

In 1982, it was found to be associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Untreated, it is potentially deadly as it affects the heart, joints and central nervous system. Take precautions when you go out: tuck long pants into socks, wear long sleeve shirts, examine your skin minutely and with help from someone else for parts you can't see. Use Deet if you can. Be advised that you do not have to leave the house to be infected! Depending on the stage and type of symptoms, you will be given antibiotics, and that will almost always clear up the infection. Many of us who have had Lyme, have had it again, and many believe that once infected one is more susceptible. Whether or not this is true has yet to be determined by the experts. The 'telltale' bullseye rash does not always present, and it is often shaped irregularly; mine was a four inch elongated blotch. Bell's Palsy does not always present either, but it is considered a determinant that you do indeed have Lyme Disease; generally one side of the face is affected and will appear to droop.

There is no pain and no way to know except by looking in a mirror or hearing someone tell you that you have only half a smile. The initial symptoms are usually flu-like, but not always. The test for Lyme is inconclusive, the vaccine has been found to be ineffective in most cases, and the disease presents in so many different ways it is called 'the great imitator'.

Answer: Fattail

Native to Africa and the Middle East, the Fattail scorpion has a fat tail! It also has a deadly neurotoxin. Scorpions are arachnids, and have eight legs, two claws and a tail curved over their back (primarily in the venomous types) that unleashes venom. There are about 1700 species of scorpion around the world, except in extremely cold climes. Although some inhabit places like Turkmenistan and survive very cold temperatures, most prefer from 65 to 100 degrees F. Only about 25 species are venomous although all can sting. Some scorpions have a very limited range and climate preference, like the Gomar that lives only in villages in Venezuela and is fondly referred to as 'El Diablo'. Scorpions tend to be ovoviviparous (fully formed eggs are laid and hatch soon after) and baby scorplings are sometimes carried about on mom's back until they've completed their several moltings and are ready to fend for themselves. The mating display for some of these critters is ritualistic: two specimens parading and studying each other to determine if the other is in fact the opposite sex and of the proper species. If so, a 'promenade a deux' ensues, which is the equivalent of courtship, and the male deposits his sperm and then entices the female to glide over it so she may be impregnated. This whole ritual can be accomplished in one to 25 or more hours. What patience!
Although scorpions are difficult to study because they tend to be nocturnal, some glow in the dark because of a substance they secrete. Scorpions can feed voraciously and store enough food to last them for several months.
The African Emperor scorpion venom can kill a person within ten minutes, but scorpions have been found to provide antivenin as well as possible diagnosis and treatments for malaria and cancer. There is also the possibility for development of treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Multiple Sclerosis, among other things. Fight fire with fire!

Answer: Hydrilla

Relax, Hydrilla (aka water thyme) has not been known to directly impact humans, but its indirect impact is equally devastating in many ways. Hydrilla is an invasive water weed that is capable of reproducing in at least five different ways. Once established in the water it spreads over the surface and shuts off life-giving light from other plants, thus sealing their doom and availing itself of more room. Entire waterways have been clogged, lands flooded and real estate values diminished.

The Army Corps of Engineers in the southern and southwestern states of the US have been trying for years to eradicate these pests, but the weed status crawled from mild annoyance to complete disruption of traffic, watersports, fishing and commerce.

The estimated cost of control was about $15 million in the mid 1990s in Florida alone. Most of the worst invasive plants are no longer considered disposable, but only controllable - at great cost. California and Washington states have eradicated Hydrilla from most of their waterways, but maintain vigilance. New York state has experienced Hydrilla growth in the Finger Lakes district, and is hoping to use the same methods used in the two Pacific states.

There is only one species of Hydrilla, but it has two biotypes, one (Dioecious) that flourishes best in the south and the other (Monoecious) that appears able to adapt to cooler temperatures and is now found along the eastern seaboard of the U.S. as far north as New England. The plant originated in Asia, but has been spread by the aquarium trade as well as inadvertently by vehicles. Hydrilla can grow about twelve inches a day, and it starts the day earlier than other plants because it does not require high levels of light to thrive. Introduction of other controls such as grass carp have been successful in some areas, but the fish must be sterilised first or they become the next invasion. Mechanical harvesting is extremely expensive and there are few uses for the harvest; it is too low in nutrients to be used for fodder. Some herbicides have been found useful, but there is no quick, easy or cheap answer to the problem.

Answer: Black widow spider

Black widow spiders are fairly easy to recognize by their bulbous bodies, especially if you can see the underside where the red hourglass figure lies. Their name comes from the annoying habit of decapitating the male during mating, but it's a necessary sacrifice in order for the male to produce sperm. Poor guy! One hopes his last few moments were blissful. The spider is reclusive except for mating season, and there are few fatalities.

The bite causes nausea, muscle pain and possible diaphragm paralysis which makes breathing difficult.

The most susceptible victims are the very young and old, the frail and sickly. When the Black Widow bites with her fangs she also injects enzymes that break down proteins so that she can ingest liquid. This spider's venom is about 15 times more powerful than rattlesnake venom.