Presently the only known host species is Cephalotes atratus, a South American ant with a black abdomen.

Upon infection, the gaster, or bulbous hindmost region of the abdomen, resembles one of the many red berries found in tropical forest canopies.

The infected ant then travels outside now mimicking small red berries which are a favorite food of frugivorous birds.

The infected young adult ant is completely black and spends most of its time tending brood within the nest.

As the parasite embryos develop within the eggs, the ant gaster becomes translucent, ultimately appearing bright red.