A field survey in Vietnam searching for Loboscelidia, a rare group of parasitoid wasps, has increased the total known number of species worldwide by 30% and uncovered their unique egg-burying behavior.
Researchers at Kyushu University and Vietnam’s National Museum of Nature have discovered 16 new species of Loboscelidia, a strange-looking and elusive group of parasitoid wasps. The scientists also reported for the first time the unique parasitic behavior of a captive female of one species, Loboscelidia squamosa, who was observed digging a hole in the soil to hide her host’s egg.
The findings were published in the European Journal of Taxonomy.
Research-related inquiries
Toshiharu Mita, Professor
Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Bioresource Sciences
Contact information can also be found in the full release.
