Taroca parasite/Science & Speculation

• Ecological speculations: the taroca appears to live within the taroca root in its larval stage, so it likely uses a herbivorous dinosaur as its host. Fermentation of the root will kill it. When pulled on, the parasite will bite firmly to remain lodged in, which is extremely painful for the host and may cause severe internal bleeding. Like most cestodes, it probably reproduces in the intestinal tract and its larvae make their way from the host's dung to a new taroca root.