Bizarre wasp preserved in amber flew among dinosaurs

Yahoo! News - Mar 27th, 2025
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A new species of parasitic wasp, named Sirenobethylus charybdis, has been discovered by paleontologists in amber from the Cretaceous period in Myanmar. This unique insect, dating back 99 million years, features a Venus flytrap-like mechanism on its abdomen, theorized to have been used to trap other insects for reproductive purposes. Researchers believe the wasp used this structure to inject eggs into the bodies of trapped insects, turning them into unwitting hosts for its larvae. The study, published in BMC Biology, highlights the wasp's novel adaptations, which are unparalleled in the modern insect world.

This discovery adds to the growing list of unusual insects from the Cretaceous period, emphasizing the era's biodiversity and the unexpected evolutionary paths taken by ancient species. However, the research also raises ethical concerns due to the amber's provenance from Myanmar, especially following a 2021 military coup. Despite these challenges, the study underscores the significance of amber fossils in revealing the rich tapestry of prehistoric life and the evolutionary history of parasitism. The wasp's unique anatomy challenges current understanding and opens up new avenues for research into insect evolution.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-rounded and accurate account of the discovery of a unique parasitic wasp species from the Cretaceous period. It effectively balances scientific detail with accessibility, making it engaging for a general audience interested in paleontology and evolutionary biology. The inclusion of expert opinions and acknowledgment of speculative elements enhances its credibility and transparency. However, the article could benefit from a broader range of perspectives and more detailed explanations of the study's methodology to improve balance and transparency. Ethical considerations surrounding the sourcing of amber from Myanmar add depth to the story, though the niche subject limits its broader public interest and impact. Overall, the article succeeds in presenting a fascinating scientific discovery while addressing relevant ethical concerns.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately reports the discovery of the parasitic wasp *Sirenobethylus charybdis* and its unique Venus flytrap-like structure, which is supported by scientific studies cited in the article. The description of the wasp's behavior and anatomical features aligns with the findings published in reputable journals. However, some aspects, such as the speculative nature of the wasp's behavior and the exact function of its abdominal structure, require further verification. The article does well to note the speculative nature of some hypotheses, such as the wasp's potential use of its structure for egg-laying, which is supported by expert commentary. The ethical concerns about the provenance of the amber from Myanmar are accurately mentioned, reflecting ongoing debates in the scientific community.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including multiple perspectives on the wasp's discovery and potential behavior. It incorporates comments from researchers directly involved in the study and external experts who provide additional context. However, the story could benefit from more diverse viewpoints, particularly from experts who might challenge the primary hypotheses. The inclusion of ethical concerns about amber sourcing adds depth, indicating an attempt to balance scientific enthusiasm with ethical considerations.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and written in clear, accessible language, making complex scientific concepts understandable to a general audience. It logically progresses from the discovery of the wasp to the implications of its unique features. The use of direct quotes from experts adds clarity and helps convey the excitement and significance of the findings. However, some technical terms, such as 'parasitoid,' might benefit from further explanation to ensure complete comprehension by all readers.

8
Source quality

The article cites credible sources, such as researchers from the Natural History Museum of Denmark and Capital Normal University, who are directly involved in the study. It also includes insights from an external expert, Phil Barden, providing a well-rounded perspective. The reliance on peer-reviewed journals, like BMC Biology, enhances the credibility of the information presented. However, the article could improve by referencing additional independent studies or experts to corroborate the findings further.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent in its presentation of the wasp's discovery, clearly stating the speculative nature of some claims, such as the wasp's behavior and the function of its unique structure. It also discloses the potential ethical issues surrounding the amber's provenance. However, the methodology of the study is not extensively detailed, and the article could benefit from more information on how the researchers arrived at their conclusions. The acknowledgment of speculative elements helps maintain transparency, but a deeper exploration of the study's limitations would enhance this dimension.

Sources

  1. https://abcnews.go.com/International/ancient-parasitic-venus-flytrap-wasp-found-preserved-amber/story?id=120130109
  2. https://www.science.org/content/article/ancient-parasitic-wasp-subdued-prey-its-flytrap-tail
  3. https://www.discoverwildlife.com/prehistoric-life/sirenobethylus-charybdis-myanmar
  4. https://newatlas.com/biology/dinosaur-parasite-wasp-venus-flytrap/
  5. https://www.iflscience.com/monstrous-99-million-year-old-wasp-had-inbuilt-venus-flytrap-for-snatching-victims-78589