A groundbreaking event in entomological science occurred on July 23, 2025, when young researchers from a school in Gin Gin, Queensland, contributed to the identification of an entirely new parasitoid insect species.
The microscopic wasp, named Cotesia ginginensis, was officially presented in the prestigious scientific journal Zootaxa. The specimens, discovered exclusively by students, possess exceptionally compact dimensions – barely 2.7–2.8 millimeters with a distinctive black-yellow subtropical coloration.
The Canadian Center for Biodiversity played a key role in scientific confirmation by performing precise DNA barcoding of the collected specimens. Only female specimens have been documented so far, which further emphasizes the uniqueness of the discovery.
This remarkable project demonstrates the enormous potential of citizen science and educational initiatives in expanding scientific knowledge. Naming the species in honor of the local Gin Gin community further underscores the significance of the collective scientific discovery.