Jewel Wasp
ExploreInsects
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
Category
InsectsRarity
Rare
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
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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
Ability
Armored Tank
Jewel Wasp has an extremely tough exoskeleton and can curl into a tight ball, protecting itself like a tiny armored tank.
Ability
Nest Invader
Jewel Wasp can chew through tough mud or wood to break into other insects' nests where it lays its own eggs.
Ability
Cunning Parasite
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Cuckoo WaspGold Wasp
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jewel Wasp's wingspan?
8-25 mm
How big is Jewel Wasp?
4-12 mm
How long does Jewel Wasp live?
15-40 days
How fast can Jewel Wasp fly?
15 km/h
What does Jewel Wasp eat?
Adult Jewel Wasps drink nectar, but their larvae are sneaky insectivores, eating other insect larvae!
Where is Jewel Wasp usually found?
Gardens and meadows
How many legs does Jewel Wasp have?
6
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