Cuckoo wasp (Chrysis sp.)

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Photo by BugEric

Published on Project Noah

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38.8318, -104.747

Field Notes

Description:

Approximately 7 mm long, bright metallic green as pictured. Note hind margin of abdomen bears a series of teeth.

Habitat:

Found it investigating a broken concrete mailbox support, probably looking for the nests of mason wasps or mud daubers. Habitat is residential neighborhood in decidedly urban area with some open space.

Notes:

Most cuckoo wasps are parasites of other solitary wasps. They do not sting, but roll themselves into an armored ball when danger threatens. I brought the specimen indoors to photograph it.