Amber-wrapped prehistoric insects reveal a terrifying evolutionary road that was stuck after the mid-Cretaceous period. After examining specimens from around 99 million years ago, researchers believe extinct hornet species are characterized by abdominal appendages like Venus flight rap to capture other insects. Once secured, the wasp laid eggs in its prey. The findings are explained in detail in a survey published in the journal on March 26th. BMC Biology.
Estimated 10% of all known insects Parasitoids are species in which larvae gestate into their host before they ultimately kill them. However, those living today do not resemble the Cretaceous period. Sirenobethylus charybdisaccording to this new study. After analyzing 16 amber-preserved female specimens recently discovered in the Kachin region of northern Myanmar, an international team of researchers from China’s Capital University and the Danish Museum of Natural History S. Charybdis It could represent an entirely new family of insects. They reached a conclusion after observing a distinct hind venous pattern of parasites. chrysidoidei superfamily This includes cuckoo and vetilide wasps.
However, the rear wing is not its only impressive feature. S. Charybdis It appears to have evolved a unique three-layer abdominal setup similar to the Venus flightlap leaves. The paddle-like bottom flap is especially distinctive for hair-like hair.
“Abdominal device Sirenovetilus It’s not like previously reported from existing hornets and insects that we actually know,” said the team. I wrote about their research.
The researchers have assumed two theories to explain anatomy. The first hypothesis is that women used a Yau-like flap to hold the male during mating. The team doesn’t have a specimen of men to study (yet) but they still think this behavior is unlikely.
“It’s true that insect females restrain men during mating is not unique, not the opposite,” they added.
They then offered another, much more creepy explanation. S. Charybdis It is possible that they used appendages to capture potential victims, but instead of devouring their prey, the wasps may be holding it back to deposit their eggs inside. This is probably allowed S. Charybdis Wait for more mobile wings or jump bugs to appear. If the target triggered a vicious hair, the appendage flap was closed around it until an act was performed. Considering that the Stinger is on the dorsal side of the middle flap, experts believe S. Charybdis In the process, they may have stabbed a trapped larvae host.
It is currently unknown when the horrifying wasp disappeared or why later insects did not have this appendage. Nevertheless, this finding indicates that at least some early chrysidoidosis species began developing parasitic wasp strategies by ce. No matter how long it lived on the earth, S. Charybdis Apparently it responded to the origin of its name: the Greek mythical monster from the Caribbean, Odyssey It was hiding under the water waiting to devour an unsuspecting sailor.
Other deals, reviews, and purchase guides
