Ampulex Compressa Giganteus

The Ampulex Compressa Giganteus is the wasp species which caused the outbreak. Dr Barnaby and his research team discovered it in the reigon bordering the Pachacamac River. It is the catalyst for the game's events. The wasps are rather large compared to others.

--- Life Cycle ---

The Parasitic Process 1) A fertilized female incubates its eggs within the womb.

2) When the parasite discovers a potential host (generally the South American butterfly known as Thysania agrippina), it injects an egg into the hosts body.

3) The virus injected along with the egg effectively prevents the host's immune system from recognizing the contamination, facilitating the larva's growth while keeping the host's physiology blissfully unaware of the danger lurking within.

4) The larva excretes a parahormone that stimulates the host's appetite, then absorbs the resultant nutrients to fuel its own growth cycle.

5) Once the parasite has grown to the appropriate stage, it devours the host from within, emerging from its cocoon as a full-fledged adult.