Chrysis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chrysis: //ˈkrɪ.sɪs//

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Summary

Chrysis ignita is a ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp found across the Palearctic, characterized by its metallic coloration and kleptoparasitic behavior. It utilizes a specialized ovipositor to infiltrate the nests of host wasps and lay eggs, while its young consume the host's larvae and resources. Adaptations such as body armor and chemical mimicry help it evade detection by its host.

Physical Characteristics

Chrysis ignita generally features a colorful, metallic exoskeleton that varies in color from shiny green to blue on the head and thorax, with a distinctive deep ruby abdomen. Their exoskeleton displays a textured surface resembling a golf ball, with dimples, projections, and holes.

Identification Tips

The identification of Chrysis ignita can be aided by observing its distinctive abdominal coloration and texture, as well as the sculpturing of its face and mesopleuron. Important features include the shape and number of teeth on the apical tergite, and the shape of the lateral propodeal tooth.

Habitat

Chrysis ignita can be found in sunny habitats that overlap with its hosts, such as near walls, quarries, bare cliff faces, and around dead wood. These environments often feature flowers, arid and sandy soil, old wood exposed to sunlight, pebbles, and aphid-infested plants.

Distribution

Chrysis ignita is distributed across the Palearctic, found in regions from western Europe to China and Japan, excluding Africa.

Diet

Chrysis ignita is a parasitoid and kleptoparasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other wasp species, where its larvae consume the host's young and food resources.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Chrysis ignita involves infiltration of host nests, egg deposition, and the subsequent development of larvae at the expense of the host's progeny, utilizing strategies such as kleptoparasitism or direct parasitism.

Reproduction

The female uses a long, telescopic ovipositor evolved from the stinger to deposit eggs inside the host's nest, ensuring her eggs remain undetected while utilizing the resources of the host's nest to rear her young.

Ecosystem Role

Chrysis ignita serves an ecological role as a parasitoid, regulating host wasp populations and contributing to the dynamics of the ecosystems it inhabits.

Collecting Methods

• Malaise trap
• Moericke trap
• Hunting on sight

Preservation Methods

• Dry preservation
• Field collection of parasitized nests

Evolution

Chrysis ignita is part of a larger complex of cuckoo wasps within the Chrysididae family, characterized by rapid evolution and adaptations for parasitism.

Similar Taxa

• Ancistrocerus parietum (host wasp)
• Other Chrysididae

Misconceptions

Cuckoo wasps, including Chrysis ignita, are often confused with other Hymenoptera due to their vibrant colors and similar habitat, but they are unique for their parasitic lifestyle and inability to sting.

Tags

• Cuckoo wasp
• Parasite
• Ruby-tailed wasp
• Chrysididae
• Insecta