Study doubles the number of species in this genus in one stroke

Nov 25, 2013 19:21 GMT  ·  By

Researchers from the Utah State University (USU) announce the discovery of two new wasp species from the genus Abernessia, which is one of the rarest on the planet. With this new finding, the total number of species in the genus has just jumped from two to four. 

In a paper published in the November 20 issue of the open-access scientific journal ZooKeys, researchers led by Dr. Cecilia Waichert describe the new species, called A. prima and A. capixaba. Thus far, specimens have only been found in Brazil, PhysOrg reports.

The new species are very similar to each other, and boast impressive body sizes, of up to 3 centimeters (1.18 inches). They are both black, and their bodies feature a metallic sheen that is characteristic to all members from this genus. All Abernessia are part of the spider wasp family called Pompilidae.

Members of this family got their name from their preferences in terms of prey. These wasps incapacitate spiders by injecting them with venom, and then lay their eggs on the bellies of the luckless insects. Scientists have determined that larger spider victims tend to lead to larger new generations of wasps.