Neotenic-female

Guides

• Eupathocera westwoodii

  Eupathocera westwoodii is a species of twisted-wing parasite in the order Strepsiptera. These insects are obligate endoparasites of other insects, with larvae entering hosts through joints or sutures. The species has been documented parasitizing wasps, including the Great Black Wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus). Females are neotenic and remain permanently within host abdomens, while males emerge as free-flying adults that live only a few hours and must mate within that brief window.

  Strepsipteratwisted-wing-parasiteendoparasiteparasitoidXenidaewasp-parasiteneotenic-femaleshort-lived-male