🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

American Cuckoo Wasp

Chrysis angolensis

About American Cuckoo Wasp

A metallic green and blue cuckoo wasp found across sub-Saharan Africa. It parasitizes mud-nesting wasps and bees on rocky outcrops and buildings.

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Did You Know?

Despite its species name referencing Angola, it is found throughout most of tropical and southern Africa.

How to Identify American Cuckoo Wasp

American Cuckoo Wasp (Chrysis angolensis) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Chrysididae. Adults typically measure 7-12 mm.

American Cuckoo Wasp Habitat

American Cuckoo Wasp is found in farmland habitats, particularly across Sub-Saharan Africa. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

American Cuckoo Wasp Diet and Feeding

American Cuckoo Wasp is a parasitic species that feeds on or within a host organism. Parasitic insects have evolved specialised adaptations to exploit their hosts while avoiding detection.

Where Is American Cuckoo Wasp Found?

American Cuckoo Wasp can be found in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where American Cuckoo Wasp can be found

Is American Cuckoo Wasp Dangerous?

American Cuckoo Wasp belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

American Cuckoo Wasp Role in Nature

American Cuckoo Wasp plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like American Cuckoo Wasp are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.

Seasonal Activity

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About American Cuckoo Wasp

What does American Cuckoo Wasp look like?

The American Cuckoo Wasp typically measures 7-12 mm.

Where is American Cuckoo Wasp found?

The American Cuckoo Wasp is found in Sub-Saharan Africa and typically inhabits farmland environments.

What does American Cuckoo Wasp eat?

The American Cuckoo Wasp is a parasite that feeds on a host organism.

Is American Cuckoo Wasp dangerous to humans?

The American Cuckoo Wasp belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.

What is an interesting fact about American Cuckoo Wasp?

Despite its species name referencing Angola, it is found throughout most of tropical and southern Africa.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). American Cuckoo Wasp (Chrysis angolensis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/american-cuckoo-wasp

MLA:
"American Cuckoo Wasp." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/american-cuckoo-wasp.