In a timely manner, scientists in South America have made a remarkable discovery just in time for the spooky season. They have identified a new species of wasp that possesses a rather macabre method of hunting and feeding. These vampiric vespids inject their larvae beneath the skin of their prey, causing a slow and agonizing demise from the inside out.
The researchers stumbled upon these eerie creatures while diligently conducting their work in the National Reserve of Allpahuayo-Mishana, nestled within the Peruvian Amazon. This rainforest is renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity, making it an ideal location for such a fascinating find.
The peculiar wasp, known as Capitojoppa amazonica, boasts a vibrant yellow hue and can reach a size of up to 0.7 inches. Its most distinctive feature is an unusually large head, which inspired its name. "Capito" is a Spanish term affectionately used to describe individuals with prominent heads. Fortunately, humans need not fear becoming victims of these creatures. The wasps seem to prefer caterpillars, beetles, and spiders as their primary targets.
Brandon Claridge, a doctoral candidate in biology at Utah State University, led the team that discovered these wasps. He explained their hunting process, stating, "Once the host is located and secured, the female wasp will vigorously stroke it with her antennae. If deemed suitable, she will then pierce the host's body with her ovipositor, a tube-like organ used for laying eggs, and deposit a single egg inside." After a few days, the eggs hatch, and the offspring continue to develop within their host until they reach maturity as fully-formed adult wasps.
In the realm of peculiar scientific findings, researchers have also recently uncovered an intriguing behavior among female frogs. It appears that these amphibians resort to feigning death as a means of avoiding unwanted interactions.
