What a discovery

By Mitch Gaynor

BEERWAH State High School students’ contribution to science is now one for the record books thanks to an inquisitive bunch of year 8 students who have discovered a new species of wasp.

The tiny parasitic insect was discovered last year during a nationwide citizen science project.

The year 8 students, who had been recording findings from studying surrounding school bushland, had no idea of their incredible discovery until this year when scientists confirmed the findings. While the wasp may be small its behaviour is not for the faint-hearted.

As part of its ruthless quest for survival the wasp, in the genus Mirax, lays its eggs in caterpillars which then eat the caterpillar from the inside-out.

It’s a grisly fact not lost on two of the students who were part of the Year 8 scientific team.

Noah and Kai, both 13 said they were chuffed to have been a part of the discovery.

“It’s especially cool knowing that it eats the caterpillar from the inside,” Noah said. A further bonus to the discovery is that the students get to name the species.

“I’d like to name it after the school to recognise where we found it,” Kai said.

The investigation was undertaken as part of a collaborative science project between universities and schools called Insect Investigators. The Year 8 Pinnacle class, which conducted the investigation, has now been invited to name the wasp.

Kai and Noah, both 13, were part of the Beerwah High cohort that discovered a new wasp species.

Science teacher, Paul Schneider, said it was a proud moment for the students and the school. “Well done to all students and the science staff who participated in this program,” Paul said.

“After almost 12 months, the DNA tests and study by University of Adelaide taxonomists Mollie-Rosae Slater-Baker (a PhD candidate) and Dr Erinn FaganJeffries, showed that we discovered a new species of wasp. We were really excited to be a part of the program but for the students to actually discover a new wasp was something else.”

The students have been invited as special guests to be part of the World Science Festival in Brisbane in March where the new name will be revealed.

Scientists from University of Adelaide and University of the Sunshine Coast will be visiting the class shortly to help with the naming.