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Ancient Wasp Discovery Reveals Cretaceous Predator Tactics

3/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A remarkable discovery in 99-million-year-old amber from Myanmar has unveiled a new species of parasitic wasp, Sirenobethylus charybdis. With its striking Venus flytrap-like abdomen, this ancient insect likely employed a cunning method to ensnare prey for laying eggs. This finding hints at a rich tapestry of parasitoid strategies thriving during the mid-Cretaceous period.

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Story summary

A remarkable discovery in 99-million-year-old amber from Myanmar has unveiled a new species of parasitic wasp, Sirenobethylus charybdis. With its striking Venus flytrap-like abdomen, this ancient insect likely employed a cunning method to ensnare prey for laying eggs. This finding hints at a rich tapestry of parasitoid strategies thriving during the mid-Cretaceous period.