(Natural News) Researchers have discovered 15 previously unknown species of wasps that can turn their prey into zombies. The newfound species lay their eggs in their hosts like others in the genus Acrotaphus. After an egg hatches, the larva takes over the body of its prey and manipulates its behavior. “The Acrotaphus wasps we studied are very interesting as they […]

(Natural News) As it turns out, wasps are fast learners when it comes to associating scents and olfactory cues with food sources. This is according to a team of researchers from New Zealand and Hungary, who, in a series of experiments, found that wasps are able to associate olfactory cues with food without any prior training. […]

(Natural News) Around the world, parasitoid wasps use spiders as the host for their babies. Researchers recently found that the wasps take advantage of the spiders’ hormone to force their victims into doing their bidding. A wasp starts the gruesome series of events by laying an egg on the body of a spider. Its larva feeds on […]

(Natural News) In the depths of the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador, there is a parasitic wasp with a ghastly means of reproduction. It lays an egg on a live social spider, and when the larva hatches, it hijacks the body of its host to build a cocoon for it. Then it kills the spider and moves inside its new […]

(Natural News) Red-eyed, mutant jewel wasps have emerged from a family of black-eyed wasps. Rather than a creation of nature, this new strain was conceived by a team of researchers at the University of California (UC) Riverside. Led by Professor Omar Akbari, the researchers from the Akbari Lab brought the bizarre creature into the world […]

(Natural News) Wildflowers are often considered as eyesores in well-maintained lawns. But according to a study, wildflowers can be used to protect strawberry crops and attract pollinator bees in farms. The study, which was published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, was conducted by researchers from Cornell University. Can wildflowers attract bumblebees and protect crops? Sustainable […]

(Natural News) The fruit orchards of California are under attack by Asian citrus psyllids (Diaphorina citri). These insect pests spread the huanglongbing disease that kills profitable citrus plants. To combat them, researchers are using two parasitoid wasps from Pakistan, the original home of the psyllid menace. The psyllids are an invasive species from southern Asia […]

(Natural News) Insect bites and stings tend to be nothing more than minor annoyances. There may be itching or swelling, but that’s usually it. However, there are some cases where an insect bite can lead to complications that toe the line between fascinating and horrifying. Some of these include: Meat allergies: Some people who get […]