Cuckoo Wasp vs Sweet Itch Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cuckoo Wasp | Sweet Itch Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysis ignita | Culicoides obsoletus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Chrysididae | Ceratopogonidae |
| Size | 6-12 mm | 1-3 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cuckoo Wasp
A stunning metallic jewel-toned wasp that lays eggs in other wasps nests. Can curl into an armored ball when attacked. Its iridescent colors are among the most vivid in nature.
Did You Know?
Cuckoo wasps have an armored concave underside — when discovered by the host wasp, they curl into a perfect shiny ball that the host cannot sting through.
Sweet Itch Midge
A tiny dark biting midge with patterned wings that causes an allergic skin condition called sweet itch in horses. It breeds in moist, organically rich habitats.
Did You Know?
It is the primary vector of Bluetongue virus in livestock across Europe.