A fascinating discovery in Kachin amber, dating back 99 million years, has revealed a new species of wasp. This insect, named Sirenobethylus charybdis, features an abdomen that looks quite like a Venus flytrap. Entomologists are intrigued; they’ve never encountered anything quite like it.
The front half of this wasp resembles that of modern wasps, but its unique back sets it apart. Researchers from Capital Normal University in Beijing, led by Qiong Wu, state, “Nothing similar is known from any other insect.” The rounded back, covered in fine hairs, is thought to help the wasp grasp its prey.
Interestingly, while the adult wasp likely didn’t consume its prey, the larvae probably did, hatching from the inside out. Sixteen well-preserved female wasps were found in the amber, showcasing various paddle-shaped structures on their bodies that hint at their gripping function.
These graspers could have a key role when it comes to egg-laying. Scientists believe that this wasp might be a koinobiont parasite, which lays eggs inside living hosts. The gripping apparatus could hold the host still while the wasp injects its eggs. This method of reproduction isn’t unique; many modern wasps lay their eggs in slow-moving caterpillars or larvae. However, this ancient species might have had an advantage, allowing it to capture faster prey.
Modern koinobiont wasps, like those in the dryinid family, typically grasp their hosts with strong forelegs, but Sirenobethylus seems designed for ambushing. Its trigger hairs suggest it lay in wait, ready to strike when a potential host came near. The researchers imagine it might have been like a predator, waiting with its apparatus open for the right moment to capture a meal.
However, without male specimens found alongside the females, questions remain. We don’t know if the males had similar structures or if these unusual features were also used in mating rituals. The authors note the oddity of female insects restraining males instead of the other way around, making this function seem unlikely.
This discovery sheds light on the diversity of life millions of years ago and indicates that evolution can produce impressively unique adaptations. The research was published in BMC Biology and helps us better understand insects’ evolutionary history. For those interested in insects or paleontology, these findings highlight how much we still have to learn about the past.
For more in-depth information, you can read the original study on BMC Biology.
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