Gregory's Server@accretionist @futurebird What I don't understand is why it's an advantage to the parasite wasp to kill the gall wasp larva in this circumstance? If it allowed the gall wasp to chew a big enough hole for itself, the parasite could also get out
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Top-level
@accretionist @futurebird What I don't understand is why it's an advantage to the parasite wasp to kill the gall wasp larva in this circumstance? If it allowed the gall wasp to chew a big enough hole for itself, the parasite could also get out 1 comment
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@pontulo @futurebird
The crypt keeper wasp is eating the gall wasp larva, not the gall. Scientists don't know how it controls gall wasp larva behavior but it also forces it to chew the hole earlier than it would normally. Just like the gall wasp hijacks the oak tree for its needs, the crypt keeper wasp hijacks the gall wasp larva.