For years these vital organs have been likened to simple hypodermic needles. However, observations of living wasps and detailed structural investigations, have revealed many hitherto unsuspected sophistications. These results are being followed up to determine their ecological implications, such as whether metal availability might sometimes limit host suitability. SEM image of Ovipositors 2. Manganese and zinc in the ovipositors and mandibles of hymenopterous insects.
Molecular markers indicate rare sex in a predominantly asexual parasitoid wasp.
R. In press. K. In press. Proceedings of the 4th International conference of the International Society of Hymenopterists . A large braconid wasp, Leptobracon sp., from South America, whose biology is still unknown.