Chrysis impressa
This record describes Chrysis impressa (species). Recorded family: Chrysididae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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 separated from other Chrysis species without expert examination of the specimen. Various habitats in search of the nests of its prey species. Lays its eggs in the nests of solitary bees. The ruby-tailed wasp grubs then eat the bee larvae. No additional images available for this species.
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
Various habitats in search of the nests of its prey species.
Seasonal Activity
May to August or September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Lays its eggs in the nests of solitary bees. The ruby-tailed wasp grubs then eat the bee larvae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Chrysis impressa. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysis impressa
What is Chrysis impressa?
Chrysis impressa is a species in the family Chrysididae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Chrysis impressa found?
Habitat: Various habitats in search of the nests of its prey species.
When is Chrysis impressa active?
Chrysis impressa: seasonal activity - May to August or September..
What is the life cycle of a Chrysis impressa?
Lays its eggs in the nests of solitary bees. The ruby-tailed wasp grubs then eat the bee larvae.