Arthropods Daily – Issue No. 205

Pimpla rufipes is a species of wasp that has several synonyms. It can be found in numerous countries and inhabits hedgerows and vegetated areas. The wasp has a slender body, is black with bright orange legs, and the hind legs are larger than the others. Pimpla rufipes is a parasitoid that lays eggs in butterfly and moth larvae and pupae and its behavior is influenced by factors such as host texture, color, and openness. The wasp goes through five larval stages and feeds on different hosts at different life stages. It has a substantial amount of venom that is cytotoxic and paralyzes its hosts, and the venom has antibacterial properties. The effects and causes of the venom are still not fully understood, but it is known to suppress the hosts' immune defense mechanisms.