Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp

Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp

Chrysis ignita

A species of Chrysis, Also known as Chrysis ignita

Chrysidids differ from other Aculeate wasps (stinging Hymenoptera) in their reduction of the number of external body segments, the presence of 11 antennal articles, and wing veins enclosing 5 cells. Chrysis ignita is the most common of a group of very similar ruby-tailed wasps. The head and thorax range from a shiny green to blue, sometimes layered with a golden sheen. The abdomen, a deep ruby color, is its most distinctive feature. The exoskeleton sculpture appears textured, like a golf ball, with dimples, projections, crests, and holes ranging from micrometric to millimetric in size.

General Info About Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp
Colors
Brown
Black
Green
Yellow
Red
Habitat
Chrysis ignita can be found throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, excluding the Orkney and Shetland Islands. Sightings have also been documented on the Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, the isles of Scilly, and the Channel Islands. Other experts record that Chrysis ignita can be found throughout the Palaearctic, spanning Europe, Britain, Germany, Canaries, Italy, Algeria, URSS, and Japan. Their habitats overlap with the host wasps they parasitize, and thus they can be found near walls, quarries, bare cliff faces, and around dead wood in sunny places. Since Chrysidids are solitary wasps whose lives are linked to and dependent on their hosts, they live in strict microhabitats. These microhabitats can be further categorized as places of rest and of parasitic activity. The environments in which they are found facilitate their identification and are often characterized by flowers, arid and sandy soil, old wood exposed to sunlight, pebbles, and aphid infested plants.
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, honeydew, pollen, and occasionally other insects
Larva Food Source
Eggs and larvae of bees, especially megachile spp. and osmia spp.
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp
Widespread and fairly common
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp
England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland
Rectangle
Life Cycle of Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp
Egg The egg phase of the ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp is characterized by a lack of movement and a small oval shape. Its color is often pale and can vary depending on the species. This is a period of internal cell differentiation and growth.
Larva As a larva, the ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp has a vermiform, segmented body, lacking wings and compound eyes. It focuses on feeding and growth, undergoing several molts as it increases in size. Coloration is usually dull to blend with surroundings.
Pupal In the pupal stage, the ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp is enclosed in a cocoon or chrysalis, undergoing drastic internal changes. The creature is inert, with significant morphological transformations as it prepares for adulthood. Color and shape are transforming.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
Rectangle
Predators of Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp Larvae
Birds, rodents, spiders, wasps
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp
Birds, spiders, praying mantises, reptiles
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp
Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp can control the temperature of its brood cells to optimize the development of its offspring.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp
Class
Bugs
Icon allow
Order
Bees
Icon allow
Family
Masaridae
Icon allow
Genus
Chrysis
Icon allow
Tips for Finding Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp
Rotting and Decaying Matter, Urban and Suburban Areas
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp
Since adult ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp are often attracted to flowers for their nectar, sweet substances may be used as trap food.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp typically develop inside the nests of host bees, often in cavities of dead wood or hollow stems. Searching for them requires investigating these nesting sites. Adult ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp are more commonly seen on flowers or woody areas where host bees are present, as they are parasitic. To find adults, one should look for them in sunny spots with abundant flowering plants during warm months, particularly where potential bee hosts might nest. The pupal stage usually occurs in the same locations as the larval stage since ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp does not generally move far from its development site.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp
The best time to find adult ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp is during warm days when flowers are in bloom, as they are more active and visible.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp
Warm and sunny weather is most suitable for finding ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp as they are cold-blooded and rely on external heat sources for energy.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp at Different Life Stages
Larva Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp larvae may be found within host insect nests, such as those of bees and wasps, as they are parasitic. Inspect such nests with caution to find them.
Pupal Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp pupae are likely to be within the nests of their host insects. Look for them in sealed cells or chambers within these nests.
Adult Adult ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp are often seen on flowers feeding on nectar. Search for them in gardens, fields, or anywhere flowers are abundant, especially those in the sun.
Are Ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow