New discovery of parasitic insects

This insect will live on parasites, drain nutrients and then fly away .

During a field trip to the rattan forest in Ecuador, Professor Scott Shaw of Wyoming University (USA), Laramie and colleagues discovered 24 new wasps.

Of the 24 newly described insect species, several species have been named after celebrities such as Ecuadorian artists - Eduardo Kingman, American poet - Robert Frost, Colombian singer-songwriter - Shakira .

Through research, Professor Scott Shaw said: "This newly discovered wasp is quite small, only 4 - 9mm long but has a huge impact on the forest ecosystem."

Shakira wasps select the caterpillars as hosts to feed the newly hatched fetus. These parasitic larvae do not immediately kill caterpillars but turn them into shields, protecting themselves for a long time. In the meantime, parasitic larvae will suck up nutrients from the host to feed themselves.

Finally, the larvae of the wasps will create cocoons within the host's corpse. Once fully matured, the individual will create a hole from the caterpillar's corpse and fly away to mate, continuing its cycle of parasitic behavior.

An image of a caterpillar is being attacked by parasitic larvae of wasps

Professor Shaw said: "Although the act of killing the host - the caterpillar is bad, in fact, this is a very beneficial insect. But naturally, these hornets have controlled the population. number of caterpillars eating trees, thus maintaining the biodiversity of the rainforest ".

Previous field studies conducted by Professor Shaw at Yanayacu Forest Research Station in Napo Province, in the Eastern Ecuadorian Andes have also discovered nine hornets that are parasitic and kill the host.

The scientists' findings have widened the distribution range of parasitic wasps as well as a better understanding of their behavioral and ecological impacts.

The research was funded by the Ecuadorian National Science Foundation.