Strepsiptera: A Real Xenomorph? Evolution and Life Cycle of Twisted-Winged Parasites

Whimsical Wavelengths - A Science Podcast por Volcanologist & Geophysicist: Jeffrey Mark Zurek, PhD, PGeo | Science Communicator

Notas del episodio

What if Alien wasn't science fiction, but a documentary? 2026 Science Podcast of the Year winner Dr. Jeffrey Zurek sits down with Dr. Rebecca Millena (University of Rochester) to explore Strepsiptera, an enigmatic & bizarre insect order.

We untangle the "Strepsiptera Problem"—a century-long academic debate over where these creatures belong on the tree of life. From males with "raspberry" eyes to worm-like females that live inside their hosts, we cover the visceral reality of behavioral hijacking, traumatic insemination, & the genomic revolution. We also show the "sausage-making" of museum research.

Topics

Sexual Dimorphism: Why males & females look different.

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Palabras clave
sciencescience communicationinsectsscience podcastParasitoidsGenomicsTaxonomyEvolutionary BiologyStrepsipteraEntomology