Cuckoo Wasps (Chrysididae) - 91 Species, Identification & Facts

Chrysis conica

Identification: Important characters are the dentate mesopleura, not too dark wings, straight frontal carina and the placement of teeth at the distal end of abdomen (middle ones closer).

Chrysis fuscipennis

Identification: Readily distinguished as our only member of the fuscipennis -group by the infuscated wings. Introduced from the Palearctic, probably during World War II, possibly in Sceliphron mud nests

Chrysis ignita

Length approx 12 mm. This is a brightly coloured wasp with a metallic red abdomen and bright green head and thorax. Chrysis ignita cannot be separated from other Chrysis species without expert examination of the specimen. Heathland and gardens. These

Chrysis impressa

This is a very handsome species with a ruby red body and blue green thorax and head, the whole having a rather metallic lustre. There are several very similar species and great care is needed when identifying these wasps. Chrysis impressa cannot be s

Chrysis viridula

This is a brightly coloured wasp with a metallic sheen. There are other quite similar species, and care is needed with identification. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then i

Chrysurissa densa

Identification: The simple notch at the apex of the abdomen is diagnostic for the genus/species.

Elampus panzeri

One of many similar ruby tailed wasp species. Expert help should be sought for identification. Occurs in the habitats of its hosts which are open sandy areas. May be abundant around the nesting sites of its host. June to August but usually found duri

Hedychrum niemelai

A spectacular species with metallic reds and blue-greens. The female has red thorax, the male thorax is blue-green. Open sandy localities: lowland heaths, coastal dunes, cliffs with sandy deposits, and other disturbed locations, for exampleÿsandpits,

Omalus puncticollis

Length 3–6 mm. Mesoscutum with coarse punctures and long pubescence. Setae laterally on pronotum at least twice as long as diameter of mid-ocellus. Apical notch of T3 relatively deep. Flagellomeres short, not longer than broad. When threatened rolls

Pseudomalus auratus

One of several very handsome species within this family, with a ruby red body and blue green thorax and head, the whole having a rather metallic lustre. There are several very similar species and great care is needed when identifying these wasps. Unl

Trichrysis cyanea

About 9mm long and a rather iridescent sea green in colour. Associated with open habitats with aerial nesting sites of its hosts such as wooden fence and gate posts, dead trees, logs and tree stumps, and holes in mud and cob walls. Recorded from May