What is it about?
The paper describes in minute details the lifecycle of a key natural enemy of urban cockroaches, the ensign wasp. A number of high-magnification images are provided, as well as images and notes on eggs, pupae, and their habits. A video summarising the events is included, which proved highly popular on the web.
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Photo by Jesper Aggergaard on Unsplash
Why is it important?
The natural enemies of cockroaches are poorly known by the lay public. A number of wasps may prove invaluable in keeping urban infestations of cockroaches at bay in the big cities. Providing details about larval development is fundamental to understand animal biology. The present paper provides all essential information regarding the general biology of the commonest cockroach-killing wasp in the tropics.
Perspectives
The ensign wasp was my very first study model as an entomologist. The present paper reached the summit of my biological observations in rearing these wasps in the lab. We are confident the provided information will help other researchers in dealing with this fascinating wasp, and understanding its intricate lifecycle.
Dr Eduardo G P Fox
IBCCF / UFRJ
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The preimaginal stages of the ensign wasp Evania appendigaster (Hymenoptera, Evaniidae), a cockroach egg predator, Invertebrate Biology, April 2012, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7410.2012.00261.x.
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