Xyelid Sawfly vs Pacific Cuckoo Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Xyelid Sawfly Pacific Cuckoo Wasp
Scientific Name Xyela julii Chrysis pellucidula
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Xyelidae Chrysididae
Size 3-5 mm 6-10 mm
Habitat Underground Heathland
Diet Pollen Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Western North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Xyelid Sawfly

A tiny, delicate sawfly with a characteristic elongated third antennal segment. It is one of the most primitive living Hymenoptera, with fossils dating back to the Triassic.

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Did You Know?

Xyelidae is the oldest extant family of Hymenoptera, with fossils known from over 200 million years ago.

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.

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Did You Know?

It times its nest infiltration perfectly, sneaking in while the host wasp is away collecting provisions.