New Wasp Species:
Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have announced the discovery of four new species of spider-egg parasitic wasps, all from the State of West Bengal.
- The new species of parasitoid wasps belonging to the genus Idris(Hymenoptera: Scelionidae).
- These tiny wasps Idris bianor, Idris furvus, Idris hyllus, and Idris longiscapus— were collected from agroecosystems and semi-natural habitats across West Bengal.
- These extremely small microscopic wasps belong to the genus Idris Förster and are known for laying their eggs inside spider egg sacs.
- These are primary egg parasitoids of jumping spiders (Salticidae).
- They exhibit an interesting behaviour pattern, the scientists noted that instead of just one wasp growing inside each spider egg sac, many baby wasps grow together and are called “gregarious parasitism”.
- Parasitoid wasps like Idris play a key role in regulating spider populations and maintaining arthropod community balance.
