Cuckoo wasp also called ruby tailed wasp any member of the insect family chrysididae chrysalidae of the order hymenoptera.
Ruby tailed wasp uk sting.
Approximately 9 to 12 months habitat.
The family is large common and widely distributed.
It has a hard body cuticle that protects it from the stings of the host species.
Ruby tailed wasps have been reported to parasitize a variety of hosts and thus their ovipositor has evolved to be a multi tool for infiltrating the nests of different wasps.
These wasps are solitary meaning they don t live in large social nests.
Falk j early and dr k martynova.
More than 1 000 species of the genus chrysis alone have been described.
Found throughout the u k.
April to september life span.
There are a number of ruby tailed wasp species that look very similar and are difficult to tell apart.
The green ruby tailed wasp is a parasite of other wasps including the bramble wasp.
There are several species of ruby tailed wasps in the uk and ignita above is the one most frequently seen.
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Interesting solitary wasp photographs by steven falk.
Although ruby tailed wasps themselves have a sting it is not usually functional and there is no venom in most species.
Parasitising other bees nests is a dangerous business but the ruby tailed wasp has a number of defences.
The ruby tailed wasp possesses an ovipositor which evolved from the usual stinging apparatus of most hymenopterans.
Illustration of the green ruby tailed wasp 4 6mm it length it s coloured with brilliant metallic greens and blues.
Most cuckoo wasps are small seldom exceeding 1 2 cm about 0 5 inch in length.
Its abdomen is concave allowing it to curl up into a ball.
Heathlands and gardens often seen around old brick walls food.
Nectar and pollen special features.
Up to 12mm distribution.
Where can they be found.
Ruby tailed wasp article by buglife.
And it does have a sting although this is not venomous.
Ruby tailed wasps article here res.
Ruby tailed wasps are found in most parts of britain.
