Chrysis ignita commonly known as the Ruby-tailed wasp. Length approx. 12 mm.
Cuckoo wasps are kleptoparasites – they lay their eggs in the nests of other wasp species and their young consume the eggs or larva of the host wasp for sustenance. Chrysis ignita larvae eat the grubs of burrow-dwelling solitary bees particularly the Red Mason Bee.
Ruby-tailed wasps have metallic coloured armoured bodies, and can roll up into balls to protect themselves from harm when infiltrating the nests of host bees and wasps. They cannot sting like most other Hymenopterans, as cuckoo wasps cannot sting.
The adults feed on nectar and pollen.
Habitat… Heathland, meadows and gardens. Often noticed searching in longstanding walls and fence posts.
Chrysis ignita is found widespread across Europe and fairly common in all areas where there is a suitable host.
Very hard to separate Chrysis ignita from other species of Chrysis without expert examination.