Cuckoo Wasp

Description:

The cuckoo wasp is a fast-moving, solitary, stinging wasp and very small. They are a pretty blue-green in color. They are parasites and lay their eggs in the nests of other species (wasps or bees). Their extra-tough cuticle protects them from being bitten and stung by the home-owner. The lower surface of their abdomen is concave, which allows them to fold “in half,” snugging their abdomen against their head and thorax. In a pinch, Cuckoo wasps roll up in a ball and stay still. There are about 3000 species of cuckoo wasps in the world and about 230 species in the United States.

Habitat:

Cuckoo wasps can be seen hovering in gardens where they feed on nectar and search for wasp nests. Was very lucky to spot this little wasp. It flew in from the garden I was looking at that had flowers, corn, melons growing and it landed on this fence post I was standing in front of and was only able to get one picture before it quickly few away.