Newly-discovered Amazon wasp has giant stinger
Scientists have found a new wasp that could be the subject of a horror movie. It was found in the Amazon. It has a huge stinger on its tail that can inject a deadly sting into any unlucky victim. A scientist said it "looks like a fierce weapon". The stinger's venom paralyzes its victims. The wasp then lays eggs inside the victim's body. Researchers from a university in Finland discovered the wasp. A professor in biodiversity research said: "The stinger of the new wasp…is not only long but also very wide, in comparison to the size of the species." The professor explained that some wasps put larvae inside the insects they sting. Once the larvae grow, they eat the insect from the inside. Researchers believe most victims of this wasp are likely to be spiders. They will do more research to find out exactly which kinds of spiders might fall prey to the wasp. The professor explained that: "The giant stinger…is very likely a highly sophisticated tool as well. Unfortunately, we can only guess at its other purposes." He added: "Beautiful and exciting species…catch people's attention and highlight the importance of maintaining vulnerable ecosystems." |