Chrysididae

Pronunciation:  [Cry·SID·di·dee]

Common Name:   Cuckoo Wasps;  Jewel Wasps

Description:   Cuckoo wasps are external parasites of bee and wasp larvae.   Adults are metallic green or blue in color.   Most of the body surface is covered with small pits.   The abdomen is strongly concave on the ventral side.

Spot ID Key Characters:

1. Body metallic blue or green with coarse sculpturing (many pits in surface)
2. Hind wings with no closed cells
3. Ventral side of abdomen concave
4. Able to curl into a ball when threatened

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Order:  Hymenoptera