chrysididae

Cuckoo Wasps

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
   

 

Cuckoo wasps are an interesting family as the adults do not sting. They are small to medium sized wasps ranging from 2 to 22 millimetres in body length. They have stout bodies and are usually bright metallic green in colour, although some purple and copper coloured species occur. The bodies of cuckoo wasps are heavily sclerotised with few visible segments. This protects them from the jaws of other wasps, which they hunt. As a defence they are able to roll up into a ball. Adults can be seen hovering over vegetation and are common on dead tree trunks and around old timber buildings. The larvae of cuckoo wasps are external parasites of other wasp species, such as Vespoidea and Sphecoidea. The larvae consumes the host and then spin a cocoon within the hosts own cell.

Cuckoo wasp species

For more cuckoo wasp species visit the Australian Insect Common Names - Chrysididae section found here.

     

 

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