Gold Cuckoo Wasp vs Provencal Burnet
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gold Cuckoo Wasp | Provencal Burnet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysis fasciata | Zygaena occitanica |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Chrysididae | Zygaenidae |
| Size | 7-11 mm | Wingspan 25-35mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Southern Europe, North Africa | Europe, Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Gold Cuckoo Wasp
A brilliant green and gold metallic cuckoo wasp found across southern Europe. It parasitizes the nests of potter wasps and mud daubers.
Did You Know?
Its metallic coloration is produced by nanoscale structures in the cuticle rather than pigments, similar to how opals create color.
Provencal Burnet
A small day-flying moth with dark blue-green metallic forewings bearing red spots and bright red hindwings. It contains hydrogen cyanide for defense.
Did You Know?
Both adults and larvae contain cyanide compounds making them toxic to birds and other predators at all life stages.