Jewel Wasp

Chrysididae

The Jewel Wasp is a small, colorful insect that looks like a shiny gem! They are fascinating to watch as they fly around.

Habitat: Gardens and meadows

Appearance

The Jewel Wasp has a stunning, metallic exoskeleton that shimmers with brilliant greens, blues, reds, or golds, making it look like a tiny flying gem. Its body is often flattened and heavily sculptured, quite different from the slender bodies of many other wasps. This robust, jewel-like appearance helps it stand out.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyChrysididae

Jewel Wasp

Interesting facts

Jewel Wasps don't sting humans, but they can give a small defensive nip if grabbed!

Some Jewel Wasps lay their eggs on caterpillars, turning them into food for their young!

Their dazzling colors aren't just for show; they help the wasps blend in or warn predators.

They are often called 'cuckoo wasps' because they sneak their eggs into other insects' nests!

Special abilities

Jewel Wasp has an extremely tough exoskeleton and can curl into a tight ball, protecting itself like a tiny armored tank.

Jewel Wasp can chew through tough mud or wood to break into other insects' nests where it lays its own eggs.

Jewel Wasp can sneak its eggs into a host's nest, ensuring its young have a fresh meal of host larvae ready to eat.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 8-25 mm
Size: 4-12 mm
Lifespan: 15-40 days
Flight Speed: 15 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Adult Jewel Wasps drink nectar, but their larvae are sneaky insectivores, eating other insect larvae!

Age differences: Adult Jewel Wasps feed on nectar and plant sap, while their larvae are parasitic, consuming the larvae and provisions of host insects.

Primary Foods

bee larvae
wasp larvae
caterpillars
sawfly larvae
beetle larvae

Ecological connections

parasitizes

Red Mason Bee

Osmia bicornis

Lays eggs in their nests, where young feed on bee larvae.

parasitizes

Leafcutter Bee

Megachile centuncularis

Their young consume the larvae and provisions stored by these bees.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Birds sometimes catch adult jewel wasps as a food source.

eaten by

European Garden Spider

Araneus diadematus

Spiders may prey on jewel wasps caught in their webs.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.