American Cuckoo Wasp vs Long-legged Oil Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | American Cuckoo Wasp | Long-legged Oil Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysis angolensis | Rediviva longimanus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Chrysididae | Melittidae |
| Size | 7-12 mm | 12-15 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Heathland |
| Diet | Parasites | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Sub-Saharan Africa | South Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
American Cuckoo Wasp
A metallic green and blue cuckoo wasp found across sub-Saharan Africa. It parasitizes mud-nesting wasps and bees on rocky outcrops and buildings.
Did You Know?
Despite its species name referencing Angola, it is found throughout most of tropical and southern Africa.
Long-legged Oil Bee
An extraordinary South African bee whose front legs are nearly twice its body length, the longest of any bee relative to body size. It uses these to collect oils from long-spurred flowers.
Did You Know?
The coevolution between its leg length and Diascia spur length is one of the most famous examples of a pollination arms race.