Last 12 months, a research expedition to the Guangzhou forests in China made an interesting discovery. Scientists caught a parasitic animal tangled in a bug net. According to a study published on December 1 within the European Journal of Taxonomy, it turned out to be a singular variant of the newly discovered spotted wasp.
Before they were sure it was a brand new species, researchers searched for information on similar wasps and located seven other examples in the gathering’s archives. After examining the insects, they concluded that that they had discovered a brand new species called Serratichneumon maculatus, or the parasitic spotted wasp.
The research team found that the spotted parasitic wasp has a body about 0.5 inch long and barely shorter wings. His face is “flat” and his mouth is provided with two “clearly separated teeth.”
The wasp has a black body with lighter spots that scientists described as “drop-shaped” and “large white and red spots.” Meanwhile, the wasp’s six legs are brown and red.
The wings are translucent yellow with dark brown veins, which creates an interesting shine.
Scientists explain that male parasitic spotted wasps have “serrated” antennae. These antennae have a shape just like that of leafy plants.
According to the research report, researchers were unable to discover the creature that hosted the parasitic spotted wasp. Based on the anatomical features of the wasp, it’s believed that the host may very well be a butterfly or a moth larva.
So far, spotted parasitic wasps have been present in China, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Scientists say the brand new species’ name comes from the pattern of spots on its body. As explained within the study, the brand new species was placed in a brand new genus and identified based on characteristics equivalent to the form of the antennae, unique teeth, body shape and other physical characteristics. However, scientists didn’t include DNA evaluation of the brand new species.
