The genus Dolichomitus represents a widespread genus of Darwin’s wasps characterized by large bodies, long ovipositors, and bright colors . It includes more than 75 species worldwide, 20 of which are found in the Neotropics.
The new species of this genus, named Dolichomitus meii , was discovered at the Yanayacu biological station located on the northeastern slopes of the Ecuadorian tropical Andes.
A flying jewel
“Dolichomitus meii shows the magnificent surprises that the Earth’s tropical forests can contain ,” says Diego Pádua, postdoctoral researcher at the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia. “The species is particularly interesting for its large size and unique coloring. At a quick glance, its body looks black but glows electric blue in light. Also, its wings are golden yellow. So, you could say which is like a flying jewel. “
These types of wasps are parasites of insect larvae that live deep in tree trunks. They lay a single egg on the insect larvae and the wasp brood eats the host larva as it develops. Their striking coloration serves as protection from birds that feed on insects because when they see them, they believe that they will have a bad taste or that they are toxic to eat.
Referencia: F. Di Giovanni et al. 2021. A striking new species of Dolichomitus Smith, 1877 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae; Pimplinae) from South America. Biodiversity Data Journal 9: e67438; doi: 10.3897/BDJ.9.e67438
