Dominican Amber Hymenoptera Trap

Description: This amber piece displays a fine example of a member of the Scelionidae or Scelinoid Wasps. These tiny wasps are known to parasitize the eggs of grasshoppers. A female will attach herself to a grasshopper, ride around until the grasshopper lays her eggs, then drop off and lay her own eggs in those of the grasshopper. All are very tiny (2 mm or less) insects. This one is well displayed within this fine clear piece of Dominican amber, and is found in association with 3 worker ants.