Scientist Identifies New Species of Wasp in Costa Rica

A team of scientists working in Costa Rica has identified a new species of wasp. The wasp, which has been named Myzinum costaricanum, was found in the province of Cartago.

The team, led by Dr. Erick Greene of the University of Vermont, made the discovery while studying the behavior of parasitic wasps. Myzinum costaricanum is a parasitoid wasp, meaning that it attacks and kills other insects.

"We were really excited to find a new species of parasitoid wasp," said Dr. Greene. "This particular wasp is very different from any other species we've seen before."

The new wasp is about 2 mm long and has a black body with orange stripes. It is currently unknown how widespread the species is or what its ecological role is. However, further research may reveal more about this remarkable little creature.

Wasp Venom Could be Used to Treat Heart Attacks

A new study suggests that wasp venom could be used to treat heart attacks. The research, which was published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, found that a protein found in wasp venom can help to protect the heart from damage.

The protein, known as APAP, is able to block a process that damages the heart muscle during a heart attack. The researchers found that when APAP was injected into mice with heart attacks, it reduced the amount of damage to the heart muscle.

It is hoped that this new discovery could lead to the development of a new treatment for heart attacks. APAP is already being developed as a potential treatment for stroke, and the new findings suggest that it could also be useful for treating heart attacks.

Wasp Invasion Causes $2.5 Billion in Damage Each Year

The North American continent is being invaded by an increasing number of wasps, and their stings are causing billions of dollars in damage.

A recent study by the University of California found that the economic cost of wasp stings is now estimated at $2.5 billion a year. This cost comes from medical bills, lost work time, and damage to property.

The yellow jacket wasp is the most common species in North America, and its sting is especially painful. The venom of this wasp can cause anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction.

In addition to the risk of injury, wasps can also be a nuisance. They can swarm around food or drinks, and their nests are often hidden in difficult-to-reach places.

If you are stung by a wasp, you should remove the stingers as quickly as possible. You can do this using a pocketknife or other sharp object, or by scraping them off with your fingernails. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, then apply ice to reduce swelling.

If you experience any symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Study: Wasp Nesting Behaviour May Help Protect Forests

A study published in the journal Ecology has found that wasp nesting behaviour may help protect forests from damage. The study's authors analyzed data from two previous studies of wasps in Portugal and Spain and found that the nests of paper wasps (Polistes dominula) were more likely to be found near or on tree trunks than those of other species of wasps.

The authors suggest that this may be because paper wasps are less likely to build their nests in areas where trees are heavily damaged. Their findings suggest that the presence of paper wasp nests may help to limit damage to trees caused by herbivores, such as caterpillars.

The study's authors say that their findings could have important implications for forest management, as well as for conservation efforts. They suggest that it may be worth considering the use of paper wasp nests as a tool for protecting forests from damage.

Wasps Found to Use Pheromones to Communicate

A new study has found that wasps use pheromones to communicate with each other. The research, which was conducted by a team at Royal Holloway, University of London, looked at how different species of wasps use pheromones to signal their location and interact with each other.

The researchers found that the paper wasp (Polistes dominulus) uses pheromones to mark its territory, and that other species of wasp can identify these markings and avoid trespassing. In experiments, the team found that when paper wasps were confronted with another wasp's pheromone markings, they would fly away or become agitated.

The team also discovered that the European hornet (Vespa crabro), which is known for its aggressive behavior, uses pheromones to communicate its dominance over other hornets. When European hornets were presented with the pheromones of other hornets, they would attack them aggressively.

These findings could have important implications for beekeeping and pest control. By understanding how wasps use pheromones to communicate, we may be able to develop more effective methods of controlling them.