Et Tu Brute?

Twenty-two species of gall wasps have been identified for the first time, thanks to new research led by a College of Agricultural Sciences graduate student.

The study, which includes names and descriptions along with an identification guide, nearly doubles the number of known species in this genus.

Researchers named the tiny wasps for famous thieves and tricksters. They called one Prometheus, a titan in Greek mythology who stole fire from the gods. Another is Brutus, for the conspirator in Julius Caesar's assassination.

Louis Nastasi, doctoral student in entomology at Penn State and lead author on the paper, said the work opens the door for more research on the wasps.

"It provides a base and a tool kit for future work that could help us understand these species and their ecosystems more broadly." —Katie Bohn