#parasiticwasps

[usgsbiml]

This is picture 1 from a 12 picture series by Matt Buffington at the USDA Parastitic Hymentoptera group at the Smithsonian. Matt's group uses a system very similar to ours to photograph and stack this super tiny wasp.  Perhaps one of the most spectacular of the eucoiline wasps out there, species of Acantheucoela are native to South America. Acantheucoeal attack muscomorph flies in various habitats, but are rarely collected.

[newsababil360]

Chilean Wasp Honors Sir David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday – New Species Revealed

### A Century‑Old Tribute Emerges from the Vaults: A New Chilean Wasp Named for Sir David Attenborough Scientists at London’s Natural History Museum have announced the discovery of a previously unknown genus and species of parasitic wasp, *Attenboroughia chilensis*. The insect, retrieved from the museum’s historic collections, has been christened to honor Sir David Attenborough on the occasion of his 100th birthday, underscoring both the enduring value of preserved specimens and the global impact of the broadcaster’s legacy. #### Key Takeaways - **New taxonomic entity**: *Attenboroughia chilensis* represents the first described species of a novel genus within the family Braconidae, a diverse group of parasitoid wasps. - **Museum collections prove pivotal**: The specimen was identified among decades‑old material stored in the museum’s vaults, illustrating how archival collections continue to yield groundbreaking findings. - **Morphological distinction**: Detailed examination revealed subtle yet definitive differences in wing venation, ovipositor structure, and antennal segmentation that separate this taxon from its closest relatives. - **Ecological relevance**: As a parasitoid, the wasp likely plays a specialized role in regulating host insect populations in Chile’s ecosystems, contributing to biological control dynamics. - **Tribute to a cultural icon**: Naming the species after Sir David Attenborough aligns scientific achievement with public appreciation for natural history, reinforcing the broadcaster’s influence on conservation awareness. - **Implications for biodiversity research**: The discovery highlights the still‑vast, undocumented insect diversity in South America and the importance of continued taxonomic investment. [Read Full Article](https://news.ababil360.com/chilean-wasp-honors-sir-david-attenboroughs-100th-birthday-new-species-revealed/) #ChileanWasp #AttenboroughiaChilensis #NewSpecies #NaturalHistoryMuseum #ParasiticWasps #Biodiversity #ScientificDiscovery #Entomology #SirDavidAttenborough #newsababil360

[babynaturalist]

Such gall... #leaves #leafgall #botany #parasiticwasps #nature

[gardeningknowhow]

Tussock caterpillar with parasitic larvae - #mustknowmonday - You’ve likely seen the #tomatohornworm adorned with the larvae of #parasiticwasps, but a number of #butterfly and #moth #caterpillars fall prey to them as well. While it’s not for the squeamish, take comfort in knowing that while the larvae are essentially feeding on the #caterpillar, they release chemicals that cause paralysis so there’s little suffering involved. And, as with the case of #hornworms, this natural pest control is generally welcomed by #gardeners.