Site navigation

ANIMAL SPECIES:Cuckoo wasps

Add comment Add tags

The cuckoo wasps are a group of 76 species that mostly parasitise other wasps. Like a cuckoo bird that manages to get another species to raise its chick, these wasps use another's nest for their own young.

Number of species

76

Identification

Cuckoo wasps are usually a shiny green colour.

Size range

1.2 cm

Distribution

Cuckoo wasps are found in central and eastern New South Wales.

Habitat

Cuckoo wasps live in urban areas, forests and woodlands, and heath.

Behaviour and adaptations

Feeding and Diet

Cuckoo wasps can be seen hovering in gardens where they feed on flower nectar and search for wasp nests.

Life cycle

On finding the eggs or the nest containing eggs of a suitable species, such as the Mud-dauber Wasp, the female cuckoo wasp lays an egg next to the egg of the host species. The cuckoo wasp's egg hatches first and the larva eats the food that is stored for the Mud-dauber's young. The larvae of some cuckoo wasp species wait for the host larvae to hatch and have their meal, before attacking and eating them. If the female cuckoo wasp is discovered invading the Mud-dauber's nest, she rolls into a ball and uses special armour plates on her body to protect her.

Classification

Family:
Chrysididae
Superfamily:
Chrysidoidea
Suborder:
Apocrita
Order:
Hymenoptera
Class:
Insecta
Subphylum:
Uniramia
Phylum:
Arthopoda
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?


Last Updated: 20 May 2009

Would you like to add a comment?

Sign up to add comments and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.

Forgotten your password?

Would you like to add a tag?

Sign up to add tags and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.

Forgotten your password?

Cuckoo wasp specimen

Cuckoo wasp specimen View full size
Andrew Donnelly © Australian Museum

what's on

Boy on bee
Amazing Backyard Adventures

05 Dec 09 – 18 Apr 10

What's on calendar

Support us

Help us continue to provide quality research, education, community programs and exhibitions.

Donate now

Online Shop

Featuring a selection of products relating to the collections.

Australian Museum Members

Join today to come to the Museum for free and enjoy many other benefits.

AMBS

Australian Museum Business Services - Ecological, archaeological and heritage consulting.

Museum as a Venue

We have many unique venues ideal for dinner, cocktails, weddings and conferences.