Ladybugs taken hostage by wasps
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 - 14:22
in Biology & Nature
Montreal, November 17, 2009 -- Are ladybugs being overtaken by wasps? A Université de Montréal entomologist is investigating a type of wasp (Dinocampus coccinellae) present in Quebec that forces ladybugs (Coccinella maculata) to carry their larvae. These wasps lay their eggs on the ladybug's body, a common practice in the insect world, yet they don't kill their host.