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Emerald Cockroach Wasp
The Jewel Wasp or Emerald cockroach wasp (Ampulex compressa) is a solitary wasp of the family Ampulicidae. It is known for its unusual reproductive behaviour, which involves stinging a cockroach and using it as a host for its larvae. The wasp injects venom directly into the cockroach's two specific spots in the brain, zombifying it to control its behaviour and dragging the victim into the den, then feeding its live tissues to her babies. This photo was taken at Tehatta, West Bengal, India on july19, 2022. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)
Photo Details
| Photo ID | #8562622 |
|---|---|
| Date Taken | |
| Location | N/A |
| Photographer | Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto |
| Category | Human Interest |
| Copyright | © 2026 NurPhoto - Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto |
Related Keywords
Human Interest
India
NurPhoto
two specific spots
The Jewel Wasp
unusual reproductive behaviour
Emerald cockroach wasp
solitary wasp
Ampulex compressa
family Ampulicidae
live tissues
West Bengal
host
larvae
venom
brain
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den
babies
photo
Tehatta
India
july19
Insect
Arthropod
outdoor
animal
arthropod
pest
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