The Bizarre Creatures We Call Parasitoids | NBTI

Carl Stenoien began pursuing a PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior with the Monarch Lab in 2012. He is studying the ecology and evolution of plants, butterflies, and parasitoid wasps. Parasitoid wasps place their eggs in other insects. These offspring then consume the host, eventually killing it, before emerging as free living adults. Carl studies how the parasitoids search for and choose hosts, and how the plants that caterpillars eat might influence their susceptibility to parasitoids. In high school, Carl was very interested in human biology and intended to become a medical doctor, but upon learning about the amazing plants and animals that surround us, he decided to become a biologist instead. At Gustavus Adolphus College, Carl majored in Biology, minored in Neuroscience, and competed in track and field. Carl is passionate about many things, including teaching and mentoring undergraduates, advocating for long-term environmental sustainability, and the intrinsic value of physical activity in the great outdoors.

Did you know that there is a wild world of chemical warfare, mind control, and extreme species diversity right outside of our doors? I am talking about the world of insects, specifically insects called parasitoids. Most parasitoids are tiny wasps and flies that we almost never see. Parasitoids reproduce by laying eggs into other insects. Those offspring, eating the host from the inside, sometimes even keeping the host alive the whole time! Eventually, these parasitoids will kill and burst out of the host, find a mate, and fly off to attack a host of their own. In this webinar, I’ll introduce you to the bizarre world of insect parasitoids, and tell you about my research on a tiny parasitoid wasp that attacks toxic monarch butterflies. Parasitoids might seem gross, but I’m here to show you that they are also interesting, impressive, and diverse creatures that can teach us a lot if we take the time to study them.

[Annapurrna]

This was such a fascinating and informative presentation. If you are interested in evolution and natural selection and bizarre behaviors, if will intrigue you. It's not for the squeamish, however.

[albertobotsford]

Are the Monarchs still toxic when they are in the process of transforming?