Here's a strange creature for this #trippythursday by @blacklux 
![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmS6SRRRhLkQRbxnd3UVQr5QNNFcHxkXMchKJSMteft9Cy/20220728_170522large_copy.jpg)
This creature is known as the flurmaderg. It can be found in swampy areas and is a formidable parasite for anything living in the swamp.

![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmTAtkEnQZbU4kfEcWKyYU1vQ2iePBT6kdxn4U5U6RB3rw/20220728_170522animated.gif)
If you set foot into the the muddy shores of the swamp it will wriggle its way over to any exposed flesh and burrow deep inside your foot to the bone. That's where it begins to replicate.

![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmYYG4zRzqwZb9vYEBVGnvNgcF5eR5nxmprfZiWaruEvbr/20220719_113831_copy.jpg)
It will shed its outer shell and turn into a worm once inside the host. It carries three eggs that it protects until their maturity.

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Now there are three juvenile flurmadergs in the host stealing nutrients until they can mature and return to the swamp.

![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmapGJbrPuGyKQfkminUjZhNe8nqvujDPvqjQSgREXq2z7/20220722_151503_copy.jpg)
The main side effect of having a flurmaderg in your system is the irresistible urge to splash around in mud. This parasite causes a hormone imbalance in the hosts brain to convince them they need to be covered in mud.

![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmTUwTDzHfrJN3WsnbMSQ7UkeU4d9NVaedJFPY62aF578s/20220722_151513_copy.jpg)
They need this behavior in the host so they can easily return to the swamp where they will find another subject to infect to complete their life cycle. 

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This one is almost fully matured it must needs the little spiky things that will help it slice its way out of the bone marrow and the skin so it can slither back into the swamp.

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This one has left the host and is having a great time in the mud. Who knows what it will infect, perhaps a turtle, fish or one of those silly scientist humans who are looking for the next bioweapon... Just imagine the power of the flurmaderg in the wrong hands... Pharma companies are already rubbing their hands greedily thinking of what random concoction they can create to mass market as the cure. 

Beware the swamp and all the parasitic critters in the mud and those who would wield their power on the masses. Happy #trippythursday :-)