The Power of Social Media in Scientific Discovery
Photos of an impressive iridescent wasp, posted by wasp enthusiasts in Japan on social media platforms, led to an unexpected discovery: the images are the first record of the species in Japan. Additionally, the images and a video of the wasps also helped scientists describe a male of the species for the first time.
What Happened
Images and a video of the wasps were posted by two citizen scientists on Twitter (now X) in 2018 and 2021. The video showed a female wasp laying its eggs in a hard egg case of a praying mantis. Tasuke Kawano, a wasp expert at the University of Kyushu Museum, Japan, noticed the images and contacted the wasp enthusiasts, who then sent him some specimens of the wasp.
The citizen scientists are also co-authors of a study, published in June, that details the scientists' findings. Kawano and his colleagues identified the wasp as Eupelmus curvator, a parasitoid wasp that lays its eggs in praying mantis egg cases. The wasp larvae feed on the praying mantis eggs as they develop.
Why It Matters
The social media posts are the first known record of Eupelmus curvator in Japan. The species was previously known only in China. The researchers were also able to scientifically describe the male of E. curvator for the first time. Only the female of the species had been described before.
The wasp was recorded for the first time targeting the eggs of the narrow-winged praying mantis (Tenodera angustipennis). In a praying mantis egg case, the scientists found 77 wasps, which highlights the importance of the discovery and the need for continued monitoring.
The Mechanism Behind the Discovery
The discovery of Eupelmus curvator in Japan is an example of how social media can be a powerful tool for scientific discovery. The ability to share images and videos of rare or unknown specimens can connect citizen scientists and experts, leading to new discoveries and advances in research.
Broader Context
The discovery of Eupelmus curvator in Japan is part of a broader context of discoveries of new or rare species in different parts of the world. The use of social media and other information-sharing platforms has become increasingly important for the scientific community, allowing for collaboration and sharing of knowledge more effectively.
What's Next
With the discovery of Eupelmus curvator in Japan, scientists now have the opportunity to study the biology and behavior of this species in more depth. This may include monitoring their populations, investigating their interactions with other species, and assessing their role in the ecosystem.
Additionally, the discovery highlights the importance of conservation and continued monitoring of rare or unknown species. Collaboration between citizen scientists and experts is crucial for advancing knowledge and protecting biodiversity.
Conclusions and Perspectives
The discovery of Eupelmus curvator in Japan is an inspiring example of how citizen science and social media can come together to advance knowledge and discovery. As we continue to explore and better understand the natural world, it is essential that we maintain a collaborative and inclusive approach, involving both the scientific community and the general public.
Source / Reference
This article was originally published in Mongabay.