Pacific Cuckoo Wasp vs Green Metallic Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pacific Cuckoo Wasp | Green Metallic Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysis pellucidula | Augochloropsis metallica |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Chrysididae | Halictidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm | 9-12 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Grasslands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Western North America | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pacific Cuckoo Wasp
A brightly metallic cuckoo wasp with green-blue head and thorax and a coppery red abdomen. It parasitizes solitary mason bees and wasps in the western US.
Did You Know?
It times its nest infiltration perfectly, sneaking in while the host wasp is away collecting provisions.
Green Metallic Bee
A large, robustly built metallic green sweat bee common throughout eastern North America. It is a ground-nesting communal species often found in dense nesting aggregations.
Did You Know?
Despite their jewel-like appearance, they are commonly overlooked because they are often mistaken for small green flies.