St Mark's Fly vs Cuckoo Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | St Mark's Fly | Cuckoo Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bibio johannis | Chrysis ignita |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Bibionidae | Chrysididae |
| Size | 6-10mm | 6-12 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
St Mark's Fly
A small black fly that swarms in May. Males have large heads with huge eyes that almost meet on top.
Did You Know?
Often confused with the larger Bibio marci but emerges slightly later and has entirely dark legs.
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.