Green wasps are a fascinating group of insects that can be found worldwide. With their brilliant metallic green colors and intriguing behaviors, it’s no wonder people are curious to learn more about them In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about these vivid green stinging insects
What Are Green Wasps?
Green wasps belong to the insect order Hymenoptera, which includes bees, ants, sawflies, and other wasps There are over 3000 known species of green wasps in the family Chrysididae They are also sometimes called jewel wasps, gold wasps, or cuckoo wasps.
The metallic green colors come from structural coloration in their exoskeletons that reflect light to produce shimmering hues. Their bodies are often brilliant emerald green, but some species may have blue, violet, gold, or reddish metallic tones.
These wasps are distinguished by their narrow waists, with females typically having a long, pointed abdominal tip. Most green wasps are tiny, ranging from just a few millimeters to around 2 centimeters in length at most.
Where Are Green Wasps Found?
Green wasps have a worldwide distribution, being found on every continent except Antarctica. They thrive in warm, arid environments and are most diverse in desert regions.
In North America, vibrant green species like the emerald cockroach wasp, blue cuckoo wasp, and metallic bluish-green cuckoo wasp can be observed In Europe and Asia, there are widespread species such as the emerald cuckoo wasp, ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp, and blue cuckoo wasp
These wasps gravitate toward habitats like sandy beaches, cliffs, rock outcrops, dead trees, and areas where other solitary bees and wasps nest. They especially like sun-exposed dead wood.
What Do Green Wasps Eat?
Most green wasps are parasitoids, meaning they lay their eggs on or in other insects which serve as food hosts. The wasp larvae hatch and consume the host insect from within.
Some common hosts include bees, ants, beetles, fly pupae, cockroaches, and the larvae of other wasps and butterflies. Different green wasp species target specific host insects.
As adults, many green wasps feed on nectar from flowers. They like plants from families like Apiaceae, Asteraceae, and Euphorbiaceae. A few species are predators and hunt other small arthropods.
Why Are They Called Cuckoo Wasps?
The cuckoo lifestyle of these wasps gives rise to their “cuckoo” nickname. Like the cuckoo bird which lays eggs in other birds’ nests, cuckoo wasps lay eggs in the nests of unrelated host species.
The term specifically refers to members of the Chrysidinae subfamily. When the wasp eggs hatch, the larvae eat the host eggs or larvae before they can develop, taking over the nest.
Their parasitoid and kleptoparasitic habits allow cuckoo wasps to survive without building nests or provisioning their own food. Some may also raid host nests for food.
How Do Green Wasps Defend Themselves?
Green wasps have evolved several ways to defend themselves against enemies. One strategy is chemical mimicry – some species can mimic the scent of their host insects to avoid detection.
Many also have hardened exoskeletons and can curl into tight balls to protect their bodies. Their metallic coloring may also serve as camouflage against predators.
Finally, all female green wasps have stingers. They use painful stings as a defense against predators. Only females can sting, while males cannot.
Are Green Wasps Dangerous?
Green wasps will rarely sting without provocation, but they can and will sting in self-defense if threatened or handled carelessly.
For most people, a sting will just cause localized pain, swelling, and redness that goes away after a day or two. But in those who are allergic, wasp stings can trigger potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions requiring emergency care.
It’s wise to avoid swatting at or touching these insects. If you have a nest on your property, call a professional exterminator instead of trying DIY removal. Teach children not to disturb them as well.
Green Wasp Nesting Habits
Since cuckoo wasps are parasites, they do not build intricate nests of their own. Females seek out the nests of other insects in which to surreptitiously lay eggs.
However, some other green wasps are solitary nest builders. For instance, the emerald cockroach waspdigs burrows in the soil and leads paralyzed cockroaches inside to serve as living food hosts.
Mud dauber wasps in the genus Sceliphron may also construct mud nest tubes on buildings and walls. After provisioning each cell with paralyzed spiders, they lay an egg inside and seal it off.
Are Green Wasps Beneficial Insects?
Despite being parasites, green wasps can offer some benefits to humans. They naturally help control populations of cockroaches, caterpillars, and other potential pests. Their predation and parasitism keeps host numbers in check.
As pollinators that visit flowers, they also play a small role in plant reproduction. Green wasps are an important part of the food chain, serving as prey for birds, spiders, and other predators. Their nests may also provide shelter or food for other organisms.
Key Takeaways on Green Wasps
-
Green wasps are a large, diverse group of parasitoid wasps with over 3000 species worldwide.
-
They get their metallic green colors from structural coloration and may also have blue, violet, gold, or red tones.
-
These wasps parasitize other insects by laying eggs in their nests or bodies to provide food hosts.
-
They are called “cuckoo” wasps due to their sneaky nest-takeover reproduction strategy.
-
Green wasps can sting in defense but are not aggressive unless threatened.
-
While fascinating to observe, it’s wise to avoid bothering these insects and their nests.
By understanding more about these beautiful but sneaky bugs, we can appreciate the important role they play in nature’s complex web. Next time you come across a jewel-toned green wasp, take a moment to admire its metallic sheen before letting it continue on its way.
Support the Australian Museum
Your donation supports the exceptional work of our inspiring scientists, explorers and educators as they help to protect Australia’s vital natural and cultural heritage for generations to come.
Beautiful wasp zombifies cockroach
FAQ
What kind of wasp is green?
Cuckoo wasps are mostly brilliant metallic-green or -blue in color and often have intricate sculpturing on the exoskeleton. They lay their eggs in the nests of solitary bees or wasps.
Are cuckoo wasps harmful?
Cuckoo wasps are extremely docile. Unlike most female wasps and bees, they actually can’t sting, even when they’re threatened. While most female wasps have a stinger, cuckoo wasps just have a harmless egg-laying tube. To protect themselves, most of Montana’s species can curl up into a ball when they’re attacked.
Do fairy wasps sting humans?
Fairy wasps are non-stinging wasps in the superfamily Chalcidoidea and family Mymaridae; scientific terms with Greek roots coined in the 19th century that mean “metallic” (Chalcidoidea) and “spot” (Mymaridae).
Are green hornets aggressive?
Gentle giants. A little known fact about hornets is they are actually not as aggressive as one might think. Like most nest building insects, hornets will usually only attack to defend their colony when they feel it is being threatened.
What is a green wasp?
Green wasps you may encounter include: 1. Metallic Bluish-green Cuckoo Wasp The Metallic Bluish-green Cuckoo Wasp (Chrysis angolensis) is invasive and parasitic. It was introduced into North America during the Second World War. It is believed it arrived on ships.
Are Green Wasps a bee or an ant?
Wasps are insects with narrow waists, belonging to the Hymenoptera order. It is not a bee or an ant. Some wasps can sting prey. They are often black and white, though green wasps do occur throughout the world. If you are wondering if you saw a wasp or another insect, then continue reading below to find out more about green wasps.
Where do Green wasps live?
This small green wasp is common from May to October and is found on blackberry branches, raspberry branches, and dead wood. They are common throughout Europe, North Africa, and Asia. They inhabit open areas, thickets, and forest edges where there are plenty of nesting hosts.
What colors do wasps come in?
Wasps have varying colors, with the classic yellow and black combination being the most common. They can also come in mostly black, blue, red, rust, and brown colors and their combinations.
What might the color of the wasp protect against?
The scientists who reported on the source of the color speculate that the spacing between exoskeleton layers appears to protect the wasp from bites and stings or serve as a thermal buffer from the heat of the ground. And the resulting color may be just an incidental tip-off that a tiny bit of insect intrigue is buzzing by us on the trail.
What are Dark Paper Wasps?
Some of the most common wasps in North America are the Dark Paper Wasps (Polistes fuscatus). These wasps grow to a maximum size of up to 21mm and may be seen in different colors. The species is present in an expansive Eastern United States habitat. Location and gender are what impact the color of the wasps the most.