Page 29 - through Clusters and Networks

Does relationship sublimity rely on time for them to venture into the big ecto-parasitoids? Some wasps can
consuming or being consumed? Or a bad world all by themselves. The sole even place their eggs inside the
bit of both? I guess it depends on one’s purpose for them is to secure their next hemocoel.
perspective. In the world, exists a generation by finding a suitable host.
complex relationship between larvae This tiny creature has to fly against all These endo-parasitoids grow along
and their wasps. lush green plants are the hurdles of nature and find that one with the host, inside their body, by
the happy home for the growing suitable cue which will guide them to being safe from the outside world.
larvae. This home seems perfect to their host. From thousands of volatiles Once they are ready, they pierce
grow and eventually metamorphose to emitted by plants, they should be able through the cuticle and emerge
gain wings to kiss the sky. to choose the right one. forming new cocoons. The host gets
consumed by offering nutrition, shelter
The biggest obstacle that lies against The wasp finally finds the treasure of and protection while a new life
their sky high dream is their arch its life and lands on their destination emerges from within them and the
enemy ‘the wasp’. Wasps are body but is it over yet? The real challenge cycle of life continues.
invaders, they come and lay their eggs, lies in laying their eggs without getting
the eggs hatch and the growing larvae killed by this monstrous larva. Well,
feed on our protagonist larvae. Tragic! the tiny but prepared wasp takes out its
secret weapon, injects venom and by
Looking at this story from another paralyzes the host, thereby Enakshi Ghosh
perspective now: tiny wasps emerging overpowering their Goliath. But where Post-doctoral fellow
from their cocoon, which kept them to lay the eggs now? Maybe on top on Dr. Radhika Venkatesan Lab
NCBS-TIFR,
safe from all predators and now it’s the host, emerging out to be an Bangalore

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