An increase of 16 new species to the Loboscelidia family has been recognized based on distinct anatomical traits. These findings have been documented in the European Journal of Taxonomy by researchers Yu Hisasue et al. in 2023 and are credited to Kyushu University.
Recent investigations in Vietnam concerning the enigmatic Loboscelidia, a category of parasitoid wasps, have augmented the global inventory of identified species by approximately 30%. This research also revealed previously unrecorded behavior related to the concealment of eggs in soil by the wasps.
A team of scientists from Kyushu University, along with experts from Vietnam’s National Museum of Nature, have delineated 16 hitherto unidentified species of Loboscelidia wasps, noted for their peculiar appearance and elusive nature. Moreover, the researchers observed a captive female of a new species, named Loboscelidia squamosa, engaging in the unique act of excavating soil to hide the egg of her host organism.
This research has been officially published in the European Journal of Taxonomy.
Although the general populace is more acquainted with predatorial wasps like the yellowjackets, recognizable for their striking yellow and black bands and potent stings, parasitoid wasps constitute the overwhelming majority of the wasp species. These wasps are often inconspicuous, with body lengths ranging from 2 to 5 mm—smaller than the eraser on a pencil—and have an essential role in ecological balance.
“Parasitoid wasps serve as parasites on other insects, laying their eggs in or on the host organisms or their eggs, eventually causing their demise,” states Assistant Professor Toshiharu Mita from Kyushu University’s Faculty of Agriculture, who spearheaded the study.
Despite their vital role in ecosystems, comprehensive knowledge about many groups of parasitoid wasps, including Loboscelidia, remains scant. Existing studies suggest that they primarily target the eggs of phasmids, also known as stick insects.
According to Dr. Yu Hisasue, the primary author of the study, “The Loboscelidia wasps were initially discovered roughly 150 years ago, but considerable gaps remain in our understanding of their biological functions.”
Alongside Dr. Thai-Hong Pham from the National Museum of Nature in Vietnam, Mita and Hisasue performed field studies across six locations in Vietnam, employing traps and nets to capture these minute parasitoid wasps. On one occasion, they successfully trapped a live female of the newly described species, Loboscelidia squamosa. They observed her laying her egg inside a stick insect egg and subsequently burying it in the soil.
The intricate nature of this parasitic behavior is similar to nest-building activities observed in solitary hunting wasps. This raises questions about the evolutionary development of these behaviors in other wasp species and may help explain the unique morphology of the head in Loboscelidia wasps, specialized for digging.
Through their field research, the team obtained 70 individual samples of the Loboscelidia group and conducted high-resolution photography of each specimen. Notably, the wasps exhibited body hairs whose arrangement and density varied from species to species.
The research culminated in the identification of 16 new species, increasing the global count to 67 known species.
“The number of Loboscelidia species was believed to be limited, but this study has expanded the known species count by 30%,” remarks Mita.
Significantly, most of the identified species were localized to specific areas, often just one collection site, indicating the probable existence of additional undiscovered species. However, this also underscores the species’ vulnerability.
“Given that each species has been observed in restricted areas, any perturbation in their natural habitat could lead to the irreversible loss of the species,” concludes Hisasue.
The research received financial support from the Japan Science and Technology Agency, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. The study can be referenced under DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.877.2203.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Loboscelidia wasps
What is the primary focus of the research conducted by Kyushu University and Vietnam’s National Museum of Nature?
The primary focus of the research is the identification of 16 new species of Loboscelidia wasps in Vietnam, which has expanded the global count of known species by 30%.
What unique behavior was observed in one of the newly identified wasp species?
A captive female of the newly identified species, Loboscelidia squamosa, was observed displaying unique egg-burying behavior. She punctured a stick insect egg, laid her own egg inside it, and then buried it in soil.
Where were the findings published?
The findings were published in the European Journal of Taxonomy and the DOI for referencing the study is 10.5852/ejt.2023.877.2203.
What ecological role do these parasitoid wasps play?
Parasitoid wasps like Loboscelidia act as parasites on other insects, laying their eggs in or on the bodies or eggs of their hosts. They play an essential role in regulating ecosystems by ultimately causing the death of their host organisms.
How many species of Loboscelidia wasps are known globally after this research?
After this research, the global count of known Loboscelidia species stands at 67.
What implications does the study have for the understanding of wasp behavior?
The research raises questions about the evolutionary development of parasitic behavior in wasps, as the observed egg-burying behavior is intricate and similar to nest-building activities seen in other types of wasps.
What funding agencies supported this research?
The study was funded by the Japan Science and Technology Agency, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.
How vulnerable are these newly identified species?
Each of the newly identified species is generally found in very limited geographical areas, often restricted to just one collection site. This highlights their vulnerability to habitat disruption, which could result in the loss of the species.
Who led the research and who are the primary authors?
The research was led by Assistant Professor Toshiharu Mita of Kyushu University’s Faculty of Agriculture. The primary authors of the study are Dr. Yu Hisasue and Dr. Thai-Hong Pham of the National Museum of Nature, Vietnam.
What is the body length range of Loboscelidia wasps?
Loboscelidia wasps are quite small, with body lengths ranging between 2 to 5 mm, smaller than a pencil-top eraser.
More about Loboscelidia wasps
- European Journal of Taxonomy Publication
- Kyushu University Faculty of Agriculture
- Vietnam’s National Museum of Nature
- Japan Science and Technology Agency
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
- General Information on Parasitoid Wasps
7 comments
Identifying 16 new species is no small feat. Congrats to the team. This can be ground breaking for entomologists.
Who funds this stuff anyway? Oh, multiple agencies. Cool, this kind of research is always needed. Would love to see what comes next.
just when you thought you knew all about wasps, right? I wonder how this egg-burying thing evolved. Evolution never ceases to amaze.
Unbelievable to think these tiny wasps play such a huge role in the ecosystem. Kudos to the researchers for shedding light on this!
Never knew wasps could be this interesting. And to think they’re smaller than an eraser? Mind-blowing!
Incredible! So they fund studies like this in Vietnam too? Impressed by the collaboration between Kyushu University and Vietnam’s museum. Keep it up.
Wow, 16 new species? Thats a game-changer for the science community. Can’t wait to see what other behaviors they’ll discover about these wasps.