In this episode of Freaky Fauna Files, we explore four fascinating animals from across Asia, each with their own strange adaptations and stories.

We start with the Japanese spider crab, the largest arthropod in the world, known for its massive leg span and deep-sea lifestyle. Then we take a look at the tanuki, or Japanese raccoon dog—a real animal with a long history in folklore as a shapeshifter and trickster.

Next, we head to the grasslands of Central Asia to meet the saiga antelope, an odd-looking ungulate with a flexible, oversized nose that helps it survive in dusty, harsh environments. Finally, we dig into the world of the assassin bug, a small insect with surprisingly brutal hunting tactics and a name it definitely earns.

From legends to lethal adaptations, this episode highlights the diversity and strangeness of Asia’s animal life.

Thanks for listening, and stay freaky!

Welcome to the 16th episode of Freaky Fauna Files, we’re diving into the world of mind control, body snatching, and some truly horrific survival strategies. What do snails, birds, ants, caterpillars, and fish all have in common? They’ve all fallen victim to nature’s most devious freeloaders—parasites!

First up, we’ve got a trematode that hijacks snails, turning them into pulsating zombie billboards to rise in the trophic ranks. Then there’s the infamous zombie ant fungus, a parasite so skilled at puppeteering that it forces ants to climb to their doom.

But things get even weirder. Some parasites don’t just take over their hosts—they liquefy them. We’ll take a look at a parasitic virus that infects caterpillars, making them climb high before melting into a gooey mess. Yikes!

And finally, we’re ending on a real nightmare: the tongue-eating isopod. This little horror devours a fish’s tongue and then just… moves in. Yep, it becomes the new tongue. Forever.

Feeling itchy yet? Don’t forget to follow us @freakyfaunafiles and send in your weirdest animal questions and interactions! Next time, we’re heading to Asia to uncover some of the strangest, sneakiest, and most unbelievable creatures this continent has to offer.

Thanks for listening and Stay Freaky!

Welcome back to Freaky Fauna Files! This month, we’re diving into your wildest questions in our third Q&A episode!

We’re talking about a sea creature that’s been around for centuries, an animal shape that evolution keeps coming back to, some incredible canine life-savers, and whether humans have hit pause on evolution.

Join us for a fun ride through the strange, the surprising, and the downright freaky!

Next month, we’re uncovering some of the weirdest partnerships in the animal kingdom—you won’t believe how some creatures work together to survive!

Got a burning question or a bizarre animal encounter? Send it our way—you might hear it on a future Audience Asks episode!

Thanks for listening! Stay curious, stay weird, and stay freaky!