Anastatus

/ænəˈsteɪtəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of parasitic wasp used in biological control to manage pest insects by laying eggs in or on host insects.

Etymology

From Greek ana- (again) + statos (standing), referring to the wasp's ability to 'stand again' or multiply through successive generations. Scientific nomenclature from 19th-century entomology.

Kelly Says

Anastatus wasps are tiny assassins of agriculture—they parasitize the eggs of major crop pests, and farmers deliberately introduce them instead of using pesticides, making them invisible but incredibly important allies!

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