New wasp species named after Brad Pitt!

May 08, 2016 15:32

Scientists have discovered two new wasp species from India and South Africa, and named one of them after Hollywood actor Brad Pitt. The new wasp species, called Conobregma bradpitti, belongs to a large worldwide group of wasps parasitising in moth or butterfly caterpillars.

These wasps lay their eggs into a host, which once parasitised starts hardening. Thus, the wasp cocoon can safely develop and later emerge from the 'mummified' larva. Despite their macabre behaviour, many of these wasp species are considered valuable in agriculture because of their potential as biological control.

The researchers, including Santhosh Shreevihar and Avunjikkattu Parambil Ranjith from the University of Calicut in Kerala, also describe another new species of parasitic wasp.

It is the first from its subtribe spotted in the whole of India, while its closest 'relative' lives in Nepal.

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