Menu
28/08/2008
After the Floods...The Plague (Of Parasitic Wasps)
As the clearing up from nationwide floods of near Biblical proportions has barely been completed, an insect previously considered as a tropical species, and so vile that movies have been made of its 'horrifying' life cycle, has been discovered on Irish soil.
The murderous parasitic wasp was discovered accidentally by a researcher in Ardkill while studying the life-cycle of tiny marsh flies in Irish fields.
Dr Chris Williams was observing marsh fly pupae in jam jars waiting for flies to hatch on his desk, but what he saw was the disturbing sight of wasp larvae emerging from the bodies, consuming the fly maggots from the inside out.
Inspiration to the horror film Aliens, in which humans are implanted with alien embryos that emerge killing their hosts, the parasitic wasps are of the order Parasitoid, known for their ruthless manner of reproduction.
It is the first parasitic wasp species to be discovered in Ireland and has been named mesoleptus hibernica after the ancient Latin name for Ireland.
(DW)
The murderous parasitic wasp was discovered accidentally by a researcher in Ardkill while studying the life-cycle of tiny marsh flies in Irish fields.
Dr Chris Williams was observing marsh fly pupae in jam jars waiting for flies to hatch on his desk, but what he saw was the disturbing sight of wasp larvae emerging from the bodies, consuming the fly maggots from the inside out.
Inspiration to the horror film Aliens, in which humans are implanted with alien embryos that emerge killing their hosts, the parasitic wasps are of the order Parasitoid, known for their ruthless manner of reproduction.
It is the first parasitic wasp species to be discovered in Ireland and has been named mesoleptus hibernica after the ancient Latin name for Ireland.
(DW)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 October 2022
SF Urges Everyone To 'Get Involved In The Discussion On A New Ireland'
Sinn Féin has urged people from all backgrounds to "get involved in the discussion on a New Ireland". Speaking at the first of Sinn Féin's People's Assemblies in the Waterfront Hall tonight, First Minister Designate Michelle O'Neill called on the Irish government to establish a Citizens' Assembly. Michelle O'Neill said: "This is our home place.
SF Urges Everyone To 'Get Involved In The Discussion On A New Ireland'
Sinn Féin has urged people from all backgrounds to "get involved in the discussion on a New Ireland". Speaking at the first of Sinn Féin's People's Assemblies in the Waterfront Hall tonight, First Minister Designate Michelle O'Neill called on the Irish government to establish a Citizens' Assembly. Michelle O'Neill said: "This is our home place.
26 January 2017
Cannabis Plants Worth €140,000 Uncovered In Leitrim
Cannabis plants worth an estimated €140,000 have been uncovered during a planned raid in Leitrim. Gardaí discovered approximately 175 cannabis plants at a house in Carraigall. It is understood the property was unoccupied and no arrests have been made in relation to the find.
Cannabis Plants Worth €140,000 Uncovered In Leitrim
Cannabis plants worth an estimated €140,000 have been uncovered during a planned raid in Leitrim. Gardaí discovered approximately 175 cannabis plants at a house in Carraigall. It is understood the property was unoccupied and no arrests have been made in relation to the find.
21 March 2016
Cannabis Plants Worth Over €400,000 Seized By Garda
Cannabis plants worth more than €400,000 have been seized in two separate operations in County Cavan and Meath.
Cannabis Plants Worth Over €400,000 Seized By Garda
Cannabis plants worth more than €400,000 have been seized in two separate operations in County Cavan and Meath.
17 January 2020
Red List Of Irish Stoneflies Published
The 13th Red List of the Stoneflies of Ireland has been published, with two species deemed under extinction.
Red List Of Irish Stoneflies Published
The 13th Red List of the Stoneflies of Ireland has been published, with two species deemed under extinction.
03 December 2019
Future Of Ireland To Be Decided In Ireland, Not Westminster - SF
The future of Ireland will be decided on the island of Ireland, not at Westminster, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has said.
Future Of Ireland To Be Decided In Ireland, Not Westminster - SF
The future of Ireland will be decided on the island of Ireland, not at Westminster, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has said.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:All parts will have dry day with some good spells of sunshine, some cloud bubbling up this morning. Warm in the southwest but onshore breezes keeping coastal districts somewhat cooler. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:Dry this evening with some late sunshine. The rest of the night will be dry and rather cool with mostly clear skies and the odd mist or fog patch. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
