This small wasp is approximately 3/8 inch in length. It is overall a bright metallic green, except at the end of the abdomen, which is metallic blue. The head and body are sculptured with tiny pits on the surface which give it a jewel-like appearance. It is armored with a hard cuticle (covering) that provides protection from stings and strong biting mandibles of the host insect. The rear corners of the thorax are pointed. The abdomen is concave beneath, which allows the wasp to curl up into a ball for defense when disturbed. Many sweat bees look very similar, but they are not sculptured and armored like the Cuckoo Wasp and will not curl up into a ball when disturbed. This wasp was identified by volunteer experts on the BugGuide website.
The frequency of occurrence is not known, but this wasp is probably common in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. Look for them nectaring on flowers.
There are 9 species in the genus Hedychrum in North America. The females cannot sting, as their stinger has been modified into an ovipositor. Most species are external parasites of wasp and bee larvae. Some are parasitoids that feed on the larva of the host which can be bees, sphecid wasps and potter wasps. Some species are cleptoparasites that steal food from the larva of the host. The latter species gave this family it’s name because it resembles the behavior of the cuckoo bird.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.