🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp

Chrysis viridula

About Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp

A metallic green cuckoo wasp with a distinctive red-gold abdomen tipped with four small teeth. It parasitizes the nests of cavity-nesting solitary wasps.

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Did You Know?

The number of teeth on the tip of the abdomen is a key feature used to identify different cuckoo wasp species.

How to Identify Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp

Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp (Chrysis viridula) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Chrysididae. Adults typically measure 6-10 mm.

Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp Habitat

Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across Europe, Western Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp Diet and Feeding

Fire-tailed 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 Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp Found?

Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp can be found in Europe, Western Asia, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp can be found

Is Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp Dangerous?

Fire-tailed 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.

Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp Role in Nature

Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Fire-tailed 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 Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp

What does Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp look like?

The Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp typically measures 6-10 mm.

Where is Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp found?

The Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp is found in Europe, Western Asia and typically inhabits woodlands environments.

What does Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp eat?

The Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp is a parasite that feeds on a host organism.

Is Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp dangerous to humans?

The Fire-tailed 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 Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp?

The number of teeth on the tip of the abdomen is a key feature used to identify different cuckoo wasp species.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp (Chrysis viridula). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/fire-tailed-cuckoo-wasp

MLA:
"Fire-tailed Cuckoo Wasp." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/fire-tailed-cuckoo-wasp.