Chrysis ignita
This record describes Chrysis ignita (species). Recorded family: Chrysididae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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 wasps are often noticed searching over hot sun-baked surfaces such as old walls or fence posts. Parasitoid. The larvae eat the grubs of burrow-dwelling solitary bees. Prey: Red Mason Bee. Adults feed on nectar and pollen. This wasp is a widespread and fairly common species in all areas where there is a suitable host, although most British records seem to come from England.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Chrysididae
- Genus
- Chrysis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Heathland and gardens. These wasps are often noticed searching over hot sun-baked surfaces such as old walls or fence posts.
Seasonal Activity
April to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Parasitoid. The larvae eat the grubs of burrow-dwelling solitary bees. Prey: Red Mason Bee. Adults feed on nectar and pollen.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This wasp is a widespread and fairly common species in all areas where there is a suitable host, although most British records seem to come from England.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Chrysis ignita. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Chrysis ignita (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysis ignita
What is Chrysis ignita?
Chrysis ignita is a species in the family Chrysididae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Chrysis ignita?
approx 12 mm. This is a brightly coloured wasp with a metallic red abdomen and bright green head and thorax.
Where is Chrysis ignita found?
Habitat: Heathland and gardens. These wasps are often noticed searching over hot sun-baked surfaces such as old walls or fence posts.
When is Chrysis ignita active?
Chrysis ignita: seasonal activity - April to September..
What is the life cycle of a Chrysis ignita?
Parasitoid. The larvae eat the grubs of burrow-dwelling solitary bees. Prey: Red Mason Bee. Adults feed on nectar and pollen.