Scientists in Mississippi have uncovered a bizarre new wasp species that performs a chilling egg-laying ritual. This wasp, named Syntretus perlmani, was recently discovered by a team from Mississippi State University. The find was so unusual that researchers initially doubted its reality.

The wasp's eggs are laid inside living fruit flies. According to Logan Moore, the study's lead author, “At the time, we didn’t think it was real.” Unlike typical wasps that target younger flies, Syntretus perlmani uniquely preys on adult fruit flies, specifically Drosophila affinis.

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A Terrifying Reproduction Method

The female Syntretus perlmani uses her hypodermic-like ovipositor, similar to a stinger, to insert eggs into the fruit fly's abdomen. The eggs hatch into tiny larvae, which grow inside the living fly for about 18 days. Eventually, the larvae burst out of the fly’s side, causing fatal injuries. “The fly often remains alive for several hours after this,” Moore added.

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From Backyard Discovery to Laboratory Confirmation

The wasp was first spotted in a Mississippi backyard last year. The researchers gathered several larvae, reared them, and confirmed their identity through DNA analysis in the lab. Moore noted, “If you dissect thousands of flies, you’ll see some odd things, but this was exceptional.”