Emerald Cockroach Wasp

About

Also known as 'jewel wasp', it is known for its unique reproductive behaviour. It delivers venom to a cockroach via a sting, which temporarily paralyses the roach and allows the wasp to deliver a second sting to the ganglia (the insect's 'brain') that makes the roach groom extensively and then lose all will to escape. Then, the wasp proceeds to lay eggs on the roach. Once the eggs hatch, the larva feeds on the roach, eventually killing it before it has a chance to recover from the venom.

Location

The wasp is mostly found in the tropical regions of Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and some Brazilian states.