Emerald Cuckoo Wasp vs Erratic Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Emerald Cuckoo Wasp Erratic Ant
Scientific Name Stilbum cyanurum Tapinoma erraticum
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Chrysididae Formicidae
Size 10-18 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Underground Heathland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Africa, Southern Asia, Australia, Southern Europe Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Emerald Cuckoo Wasp

One of the largest and most spectacular cuckoo wasps with a vivid metallic green and blue body. It parasitizes mud dauber wasp nests across the Old World tropics.

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Did You Know?

It is the largest cuckoo wasp in the world and its metallic colors can shift from green to blue depending on the viewing angle.

Erratic Ant

A small dark ant common in southern Europe that runs in characteristic erratic zigzag patterns. It nests in dry, warm habitats under stones and in rock crevices.

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Did You Know?

Workers can raise their abdomens to spray defensive chemicals while simultaneously running at full speed.