Parasitoid Wasps and Their Venoms

Abstract

Parasitoid wasps are a unique group among venomous organisms. In contrast to the common venom functions of predation and defense, female parasitoid wasps use venom to manipulate the metabolism, development, and behavior of other arthropods for reproductive purposes. This provides a safe environment and nutrition for the next generation of wasps to feed and develop. Parasitoid wasp species diversity is estimated to be between 150,000 and 600,000 species, likely making them the largest group of venomous organisms. They parasitize all orders of Insecta and several taxa from Arachnida. Parasitoids display highly diverse morphologies and parasitic lifestyles. This diversity likely plays a strong role in the adaptive evolution of venom apparatus structures, venom genes, and venom functions. However, parasitoid wasps are underexplored and little represented in toxinology.