🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

Emerald Cockroach Wasp

Ampulex compressa

About Emerald Cockroach Wasp

A brilliant emerald-green wasp that zombifies cockroaches. It delivers precise stings to the cockroachs brain, removing its escape reflex. Then leads it by the antenna like a dog on a leash.

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Did You Know?

The emerald cockroach wasp performs neurosurgery β€” it stings a cockroach twice in precise brain locations to disable its escape reflex, then walks it to a burrow like a zombie.

How to Identify Emerald Cockroach Wasp

Emerald Cockroach Wasp (Ampulex compressa) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Ampulicidae. Adults typically measure 22 mm.

Emerald Cockroach Wasp Habitat

Emerald Cockroach Wasp is found in forests habitats, particularly across Africa, Asia, Oceania. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Emerald Cockroach Wasp Diet and Feeding

Emerald Cockroach Wasp feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.

Where Is Emerald Cockroach Wasp Found?

Emerald Cockroach Wasp can be found in Africa, Asia, Oceania, where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Emerald Cockroach Wasp can be found

Is Emerald Cockroach Wasp Dangerous?

Emerald Cockroach 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.

Emerald Cockroach Wasp Role in Nature

Emerald Cockroach Wasp plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.

Seasonal Activity

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Emerald Cockroach Wasp

What does Emerald Cockroach Wasp look like?

The Emerald Cockroach Wasp typically measures 22 mm.

Where is Emerald Cockroach Wasp found?

The Emerald Cockroach Wasp is found in Africa, Asia, Oceania and typically inhabits forests environments.

What does Emerald Cockroach Wasp eat?

The Emerald Cockroach Wasp feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.

Is Emerald Cockroach Wasp dangerous to humans?

The Emerald Cockroach 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 Emerald Cockroach Wasp?

The emerald cockroach wasp performs neurosurgery β€” it stings a cockroach twice in precise brain locations to disable its escape reflex, then walks it to a burrow like a zombie.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Emerald Cockroach Wasp (Ampulex compressa). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/emerald-cockroach-wasp

MLA:
"Emerald Cockroach Wasp." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/emerald-cockroach-wasp.