Linnaeus’s Cuckoo Wasp

Chrysis ignita

Description

Body length 9mm. The head and thorax are cyan, and the abdomen is magenta. There are four tooth-like projections under the tip of the abdomen. The Narrow-bodied Cuckoo Wasp, Chrysis angustula is very similar.

Habitat

Woodland edge and hedgerows. The adults look for the nests of mason wasps to parasitise.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread throughout southern Britain. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to October.

  • Ruby-tailed Wasp - Chrysis ignita - May 26th 2019

  • Ruby-tailed Wasp - Chrysis ignita - May 26th 2019

  • Ruby-tailed Wasp - Chrysis ignita - May 26th 2019

  • Ruby-tailed Wasp - Chrysis ignita - June 21st 2022

  • Ruby-tailed Wasp - Chrysis ignita - June 21st 2022

  • Ruby-tailed Wasp - Chrysis ignita - June 12th 2024

  • Ruby-tailed Wasp - Chrysis ignita - August 25th 2024

  • Ruby-tailed Wasp - Chrysis ignita - August 25th 2024

  • Ruby-tailed Wasp - Chrysis ignita - August 25th 2024

  • Ruby-tailed Wasp - Chrysis ignita - August 25th 2024

  • Ruby-tailed Wasp - Chrysis ignita - June 16th 2025