Pacific Cuckoo Wasp vs Provencal Burnet
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pacific Cuckoo Wasp | Provencal Burnet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysis pellucidula | Zygaena occitanica |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Chrysididae | Zygaenidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm | Wingspan 25-35mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Western North America | Europe, Africa |
| 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.
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.