metallic bluish-green cuckoo wasp

not listed

not listed

not listed

Metallic bluish-green cuckoo wasp is an invasive, parasitic cuckoo wasp. It was introduced into North America, probably during World War II, probably on ships with nests of mud daubers on their wooden beams. It is now widespread across the continent, but especially around the coasts.

The head, thorax, and abdomen are bright bluish-green with metallic reflections and coarse sculpturing.

The abdomen has of the male has four segments, that of the female has three segments. The exoskeletal plates on the bottom (ventral) side of the abdomen are flattened or concave. On the male, the rim on the last segment of the abdomen has three notches, four teeth, and a row of ten small pits along the edge. On the female the ovipositor is very long and stinger-like, and protrudes from the tip (apex) of the abdomen.

There are two large compound eyes, one on each side of the head; and three small simple eyes (ocelli) in a triangular pattern at the top of the head between the compound eyes. The antennae are black, short, and thread-like. They have 13 segments.

The wings have reduced venation. The forewing has 5 or fewer closed cells. The hindwing has a distinct lobe at the base and no closed cells.

¼″ to 7 ⁄16″

It curls up into a tight ball when threatened. Despite the long, stinger-like ovipositor, the female does not sting.

The female lays eggs in the nest of a host while it is being provisioned but before it is sealed.

Larvae of black and yellow mud dauber (Sceliphron caementarium)

Sources

24, 27, 29, 30, 82.

Native to Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Introduced and naturalized in North America.

Widespread

This was in our camper which is housed in Hobart, IN and it stung me.

Demon wasp…

One flew over the cuckoo nest

My cat was playing with it in my kitchen

found in wood shop

Found at work in a window sill.

Found three drowning Blue-green Metallic Cuckoo Wasps (Chrysis angolensis) in a Hummingbird feeder this morning. Two were already dead and the third was very eager to get out of the stick syrup.

Check out that stinger will ya!

Location: Hobart, IN

This was in our camper which is housed in Hobart, IN and it stung me.

Location: San Benito, Texas

can we exterminate

Chrysis angolensis is a species of parasitic wasp that is not considered to be a pest. They are beneficial insects that help to control populations of other insects, such as caterpillars and beetles. As such, they should not be exterminated.

In fact, in some cases, Chrysis angolensis wasps are deliberately introduced into areas to help control pest populations. For example, they have been used to control populations of the codling moth, a pest of apple trees.

If you find Chrysis angolensis wasps in your home or garden, you can simply leave them alone. They will not harm you or your property. In fact, they may actually be doing you a favor by helping to control pest populations.

Location: The Woodlands, TX

Location: Gulf Shores, AL

One flew over the cuckoo nest

Location: Sauk Centre, MN

So being an invasive species we should try to kill them, correct?

Location: Walker, MN

My cat was playing with it in my kitchen

Location: Plymouth, MN. 

Location: Marcy-Holmes, Minneapolis, MN

It stung me when I tried to save it from drowning in a pool. 

Location: Vancouver, WA USA

found in wood shop

Location: Blaine, MN

Found at work in a window sill.

Location: St. Cloud, MN

Stung me in bed while sleeping... I killed it at 3am

Location: Linwood, MN

Saw this land on my boat and crawl into a little hole on the side.

Location: Pennington Co. MN

Found three drowning Blue-green Metallic Cuckoo Wasps (Chrysis angolensis) in a Hummingbird feeder this morning. Two were already dead and the third was very eager to get out of the stick syrup.

Check out that stinger will ya!