 The host association between Myrmecia and <unk> wasps began several million years ago ; M. forficata larvae are the host to <unk> <unk> , being the first recorded <unk> parasitoid of an ant , and <unk> <unk> is a parasitoid to M. gulosa pupae . M. pilosula is affected by a gregarines parasite that changes an ants colour from their typical black appearance to brown . This was discovered when brown workers were dissected and found to have <unk> spores , while black workers showed no spores . Another unidentified gregarine parasite is known to infect the larvae of M. pilosula and other Myrmecia species . This gregarine parasite also softens the ant 's cuticle . Other parasites include Beauveria bassiana , Paecilomyces lilacinus , <unk> affinis , <unk> wasps , and various <unk> nematodes . 
