Strepsiptera: A Real Xenomorph? Evolution and Life Cycle of Twisted-Winged Parasites

What if Alien wasn't science fiction, but a documentary? 2026 Science Podcast of the Year winner Dr. Jeffrey Zurek sits down with Dr. Rebecca Millena (University of Rochester) to explore Strepsiptera, an enigmatic & bizarre insect order.

We untangle the "Strepsiptera Problem"—a century-long academic debate over where these creatures belong on the tree of life. From males with "raspberry" eyes to worm-like females that live inside their hosts, we cover the visceral reality of behavioral hijacking, traumatic insemination, & the genomic revolution. We also show the "sausage-making" of museum research.

Topics

Sexual Dimorphism: Why males & females look different.

The Strepsiptera Problem: How DNA solved a taxonomic mystery.

Matrophagy: "Bag of larvae" stage where young consume their mother.

Longevity Research: Link between parasitic infection & extreme host aging.

Museum Science: Vital role of "back-catalog" collections in modern genetics.

Chapters

0:00 Universal Obscure: Welcome to Strepsiptera

1:30 Xenomorphs in RL: Parasitoids vs. Parasites

3:50 "Strepsiptera Problem" in Academia