limaskottides

Limaskottides refers to a previously unknown species of hen egg parasitic wasps that belongs to the subfamily Coelichlinae within the family Trigonalyidae. These wasps are specifically known to be dependent on a particular type of Trixagus beetle beetle eggs for their own developmental purposes.

The life cycle of Limaskottides involves a unique type of parasitism where the female wasps deposit their eggs inside the eggs of the Trixagus beetle. The developing wasp larvae then feed on the beetle eggs, ultimately causing them to fail in their hatching process.

Limaskottides are found in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in temperate regions. They tend to live in forests and agricultural areas, where their host beetle species is also present. The distribution of these wasps corresponds to the geographic range of their host species.

Since their initial identification, the study of Limaskottides has contributed to the greater understanding of paraeus social parasites. These parasites exploit and suppress the reproductive success of their hosts, often with significant effects on population dynamics.

In ecological terms, Limaskottides creates a two-way relationship with its Trixagus beetle host. While the wasp relies on the beetle for development and reproduction, the beetle may bear some potentially lasting disadvantages to its host ecosystem.

However, there is little to no impact known from this wasp on human affairs so far.