Family Chrysididae - Cuckoo Wasps

Gold Wasps, Ruby Wasps(1), Jewel Wasps

cry-SID-di-dee

Chrysididae Latreille 1802

In our area, 3 subfamilies with 227 spp. in ~30 genera (most diverse in the west, with 166 spp. in CA alone(2)). Worldwide, 5 subfamilies with >3000 described (~4,000 estimated) spp. in >80 genera(3)(4)

Overview of our fauna* –taxa not yet in the guide; classification adapted from(2)(4)

Family Chrysididae

Subfamily Cleptinae Cleptes

Subfamily Amiseginae Adelphe · Amisega · *Microsega

Subfamily Chrysidinae

Key to ~90 eastern spp.

Family characteristics(5)(6)(4):

worldwide and throughout NA (most diverse in the west); 10% of all our spp. are CA endemics(3)(4)(2)

Some species are parasitoids and others cleptoparasites; most are external parasites of wasp and bee larvae; Cleptes (Cleptinae) attack sawfly larvae, Amiseginae parasitize walkingstick eggs

The food-stealing behavior of cleptoparasites gave rise to the cuckoo wasp's name. Hosts of parasitoid species include bees, sphecid wasps, potter wasps, sawflies, silk moths, and stick insect eggs. Cleptoparasitic species feed on provisions of sphecid nests, which may include dead spiders, true bugs, aphids, or thrips.

The female sting has been modified into an egg-laying tube with highly reduced valvulae and poison gland. As a result, unlike most other aculeates, chrysidids cannot sting and can be easily handled.(2)

Some metallic-green sweat bees (Halictidae) may look similar but lack the sculptured cuticle and the ability to curl up in a ball