Dive bomb wasp
The Dive Bomb Wasp also known as Kollasmosoma sentum is the fifth newly discovered species of 2013.
Characteristics
This new species of parasitic wasp cruises at just one centimeter above the ground in search of its target. When its host is located (the ant Cataglyphis ibericus), this teensy wasp attacks from the air like a tiny dive bomber and deposits an egg in the unsuspecting ant. The sorties last
on average a scant 0.052 seconds but are deadly, transforming ants into rations for larvae of the wasps. When ants are aware of the air raid they may wave away the wasps with their legs or turn with mandibles open to face the assailant.
The Classification Key
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthopoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Braconidae
Genus: Kollasmosoma
Species: K. sentum
Characteristics
This new species of parasitic wasp cruises at just one centimeter above the ground in search of its target. When its host is located (the ant Cataglyphis ibericus), this teensy wasp attacks from the air like a tiny dive bomber and deposits an egg in the unsuspecting ant. The sorties last
on average a scant 0.052 seconds but are deadly, transforming ants into rations for larvae of the wasps. When ants are aware of the air raid they may wave away the wasps with their legs or turn with mandibles open to face the assailant.
The Classification Key
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthopoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Braconidae
Genus: Kollasmosoma
Species: K. sentum