Dune 2: We found a real sandworm! It is said…

If you’ve seen Dune 2, one of the film’s standout scenes shows Paul Atreides riding a giant sand worm. This creature, familiar to fans of Frank Herbert’s novel, was already introduced in a previous episode in 2021.

In the 2nd part, poems have a more important place. During this scene, the hero must prove himself against the Fremen by hanging onto the creature’s back for the first time. This is a ritual in the Fremen tradition.

Here is the controversial scene again…

In Dune Mythology, these sandworms range in size from a few hundred meters to several kilometers and live only in the Arakis deserts. The Fremen call them Shai-Hulud, which means “Old Man of the Desert”, “Old Father of Eternity” or “Grandfather of the Desert”. To them, worms are the masters of the desert and part of the spice cycle and the entire planet.

Spaghetti worm, the longest animal in the world

So, obviously, worms of this size are pure science fiction fantasy. If we turn to prehistoric times, in 2017 we found A species of giant sea wormwas baptized Websteroprion armstrongi. This jawed species could measure up to 2 m and lived 400 million years ago.

There is something more modern and completely alive for us lineus longissimus. Lace worm, nicknamed “spaghetti worm”. It is the longest animal in the world. Moreover, its poison is particularly toxic. This marine invertebrate, which is only 5 to 10 millimeters in diameter, can easily exceed… 50 meters, which appeared on the Earth’s surface 500 million years ago.

Hiding in sandy seabeds or rocks, this carnivorous creature lies in wait. Its skin is covered with mucus with a very strong smell, which serves as both protection from predators and as a weapon.

What does it look like ? for that!

Ultra strong toxin

In 2018, Swedish scientists conducted experiments on a 10 m long sample, the results of which were published in the journal. scientific reports. They discovered that the slime of the spaghetti worm releases a very strong toxin when it approaches an enemy or prey. The toxin is so strong that it falls on the victim in a few minutes.

A worm literally removes its digestive tract to consume its meal. An entire tube extends from its body and wraps around its prey. Enzymes then work to liquefy the victim. With the help of deformable jaws, the worm has to absorb only liquid lunch. A charming creature.