Parasitic Wasps

Parasitic wasps lay their eggs within or on top of a host. Typically, the wasp larvae develop on the larvae of other insects. The purpose of this is to provide the wasp larvae with nutrition as they develop. Each species has preferred ‘hosts’ to source nutrition from.

Ovipositor Mechanism

The ovipositor is the egg-laying transport system in female parasitic wasps. It extends from the abdomen and is a ‘stinger-like appendage’ used to deliver the eggs. In some species this is used to drill or bore into bark, plant tissue and other insects, before depositing the eggs. 

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It is made up of three valves which move reciprocally. The sliding motion of the valves creates friction, which pushes the egg through the hollow centre.

Tissue Transportation Device - A Prototype

This device is made up of six semi cylindrical valves, which are held together by an outer tube and actuated by an electromotor. It moves using the same mechanism as the ovipositor and is able to capture and carry tissue back through it. It has potential applications in minimally invasive surgery, to remove damaged or cancerous tissues, e.g., for biopsy or for clot removal in blood vessels.