Tiny Matters [BONUS] Wasp versus beetle and blood iron recycling: Tiny Show and Tell Us #32
Sep 24, 2025
Discover the fascinating world of parasitoid wasps and their role in pesticide-free pest control. The hosts dive into the drama between wasps and beetles, exploring why beetles have more species diversity. They also tackle the intricacies of red blood cell iron recycling and how our bodies utilize this essential element. With discussions on oxidation states and the incredible efficiency of iron recovery, this episode is packed with science facts that challenge our understanding of two tiny yet mighty subjects.
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Wasps Used As Crop Protectors
- Listener Kyle champions wasps as valuable predators that protect crops by eating pests.
- Sam and Deboki describe USDA use of parasitoid wasps to control pests like emerald ash borer and spotted wing drosophila.
Consider Biocontrol Over Chemical Sprays
- Use biological control like parasitoid wasps to reduce reliance on chemical insecticides.
- Consider targeted wasp releases for pests such as emerald ash borer and spotted wing drosophila as alternatives.
Beetles Versus Wasps In Species Counts
- Beetles account for roughly 400,000 of one million insect species while wasps are estimated at ~103,000 described species.
- Some entomologists suggest parasitic wasps may outnumber beetles once undocumented species are included.