'Dementor' wasp is a new insect species discovered in Thailand's Mekong Delta in 2014. The new "Harry Potter"-inspired animal species injects venom into a cockroach's belly, turning the roach into an inactive zombie.
Ampulex Dementor, the new wasp species, was listed in the World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) list of 139 new species discovered in the Asian region during 2014. The arthropod 's name was inspired by soul-sucking creatures from the "Harry Potter" movie series.
The new wasp inserts the venom into neurons on the roach belly. The WWF report states that by blocking neurotransmitter receptors, the cockroach can move around, but cannot "direct" its insect body.
However, the nightmare is not over for the wasp's prey. The cruel insect then drags the passive roach by its antennae to a "safe shelter" where it gobbles its victim, according to Fox News.
Visitors to Berlin's Museum für Naturkunde voted in a poll to name the wasp after the "dementors" that terrorize Harry Potter and other wizards in the movie series. They are evil non-being creatures that feed on human happiness.
Conservation experts argue that naming the new wasp species increases public awareness related to conservation issues. Michael Ohl, one of the Dementor wasp's discoverers, said that such events will increase people's curiosity about worldwide animals and nature.
In 2014 scientists also discovered other new species in the Mekong Delta, including: 23 reptiles, 16 amphibians, and 90 plants. This geographical region includes Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and part of Southwest China, according to The Times of India.
The new species include Phryganistria Heusii Yentuensis, a 21-inch-long (53.3 cm) insect in Vietnam, which is the world's second-longest bug. Researchers also found Gracixalus Lumarius, a color-changing spiky frog, in Vietnam.