Newly-discovered Amazon wasp has giant stinger
A new wasp was found in the Amazon. It has a huge stinger that can sting and paralyze any unlucky victim. The wasp then lays eggs inside the victim's body. Researchers from a university in Finland found the wasp. A professor in biodiversity research said: "The stinger of the new wasp…is not only long but also very wide, in comparison to the size of the species. It looks like a fierce weapon." Some wasps put larvae inside the insects they sting. The larvae grow and eat the insect from the inside. Most victims of this wasp are spiders. Further research will find out exactly which kinds of spiders. The professor explained the giant stinger was, "a highly sophisticated tool" and he could "only guess at its other purposes". He added: "Beautiful and exciting species…catch people's attention and highlight the importance of…ecosystems." |