Rotoita basalis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rotoita basalis |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Rotoita
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| Species: |
basalis
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The Rotoita basalis is a tiny parasitic wasp. It belongs to a very old family of insects called Rotoitidae. This special wasp is only found in New Zealand. Its closest living relative is another wasp called Chiloe micropteron, which lives far away in Chile. These two wasps are the only known living members of their ancient family.
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What Makes This Wasp Special?
Rotoita basalis wasps have some unique body parts. They are very close to the beginning of the chalcidoid family tree, which means they are a very old type of wasp.
Here are some of their special features:
- Female wasps have antennae with 14 segments. The end part of the antennae, called the clava, has 6 distinct segments.
- Their front wings have a special vein called a basal vein.
- They have a scutellum (a part of their back) that is wider than it is long.
- A part of their body called the prepectus is very small and hidden.
- They do not have notauli, which are grooves usually found on the top of an insect's chest.
These wasps are very small, usually about 1 millimeter long.
How Was This Wasp Found?
The Rotoita basalis wasp was first described in 1987. Two scientists, Zdenek Boucek and John S. Noyes, created the family Rotoitidae just for this new type of wasp.
They based their discovery on three female wasps found in New Zealand. The scientists also mentioned finding two other female wasps from the North and South Islands of New Zealand. These might even be two more new species!
What Do We Know About Its Life?
Right now, scientists do not know much about the life of the Rotoita basalis wasp. We don't know what it eats, where it lays its eggs, or how it grows. There is still a lot to learn about this tiny creature!
Where Did Its Name Come From?
One of the female wasps used to describe the species was found near St. Arnaud. This place was once known as Rotoiti Village.
Lake Rotoiti is a large freshwater lake and a very important landmark near Saint Arnaud Village. This beautiful lake inspired the scientists when they named the genus "Rotoita." In the Maori language, "Rotoiti" simply means "Little Lake."
