Scientists Find Parasitic Wasps Inside Ancient Fly Pupae
- 6 years ago
An international team of scientist recently confirmed the theory that parasitic wasps have been around for tens of millions of years.
An international team of scientist recently confirmed the theory that parasitic wasps have been around for tens of millions of years, notes Gizmodo. The evidence was found in fly pupae dating back as far as 66 million years. Using advanced imaging technologies, the researchers examined 1,500 specimens and found 55 instances of parasitic wasp infestation. They also discovered four previously unknown, extinct wasp species. According to a release from the Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, "Each of the four…species had its own strategy for adaptation to the host." All engaged in endoparasitism, meaning that they developed inside of their prey. That process is a never-ending one. The female lays eggs inside of pupae, the offspring drain its resources until ready to emerge, and the newly-matured wasps go on to create parasitic young of their own.
An international team of scientist recently confirmed the theory that parasitic wasps have been around for tens of millions of years, notes Gizmodo. The evidence was found in fly pupae dating back as far as 66 million years. Using advanced imaging technologies, the researchers examined 1,500 specimens and found 55 instances of parasitic wasp infestation. They also discovered four previously unknown, extinct wasp species. According to a release from the Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, "Each of the four…species had its own strategy for adaptation to the host." All engaged in endoparasitism, meaning that they developed inside of their prey. That process is a never-ending one. The female lays eggs inside of pupae, the offspring drain its resources until ready to emerge, and the newly-matured wasps go on to create parasitic young of their own.