Wildlife Diversity News Iowa DNR Wasps, Crayfish, Alligators & Crocodiles Facts

Edited by Erica Eaves
Wildlife Diversity News

A Publication of the Iowa DNR Wildlife Diversity Program

Wasps Have Good Hygiene

As humans, we wash up or use hand sanitizer when we feel we might be in a dirty environment. As it turns out, Emerald Cockroach Wasps care about keeping clean, too. Mother wasps will lay one egg on a cockroach- the parasitized insect will become  the larva’s first meal.  As we all know, cockroaches can end up in some pretty grimy places. So to make sure their food source is good to eat, the larva will secrete and coat the cockroach in an antimicrobial liquid. After essentially “sanitizing” their food, the larva can
be sure there’s no danger of fungi, viruses, or bacteria.

Crayfish Suffering From Chytrid Fungus Too?
There has been quite a buzz in the conservation world over the last few decades about a deadly disease-causing fungus. Chytrid  fungus has been responsible for the extinction of more than 300 frog and other amphibian species. There are still many mysteries surrounding this fungus, but a recent study has brought scientists one step closer to understanding why this pathogen is spelling out disaster for amphibians worldwide. Results suggest that crayfish  can also become infected and will act as a reservoir for the
disease– allowing the fungus to persist in water bodies until its preferred amphibian host is present. Crayfish populations suffer some fatalities, but survivors will carry the fungus. This could explain the rapid spread of the pathogen to other water bodies as crayfish are commonly transported as bait, food, or pets.

Alligators and Crocodiles Have a Sensitive Side
These reptiles are dotted with tiny raised black spots. In alligators, these bumps are mostly concentrated on their head, jaws, and mouth– about 4,000 in total. Crocodiles have even more; in addition to being located on their head, bumps are found covering the rest of their bodies. These  bumps have long been known as “integumentary sensory organs”, and although there was much speculation about their function, their real purpose was only recently revealed. A study done by a student at Vanderbilt University demonstrated that these bumps are insanely sensitive– capable of detecting the tiniest of pressure changes. Reasons for being this touchy-feely? Scientists suspect it aids in locating prey, helps young emerge from their shells, and allows the mother to carefully shelter her young inside her powerful jaws.

For More Information Visit Iowa Department of Natural Resources

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