Hedychrum
Hedychrum
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Chrysidoidea
- Family: Chrysididae
- Subfamily: Chrysidinae
- Tribe: Elampini
- Genus: Hedychrum
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hedychrum: /ˈhɛdɪkrʊm/
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Images
Summary
Hedychrum is a diverse genus of cuckoo wasps known for their brilliant metallic colors and parasitic behavior. With a significant number of species primarily from the Old World, they exhibit intriguing life cycles centered around specific host species in the Philanthinae subfamily.
Physical Characteristics
Cuckoo wasps, belonging to the family Chrysididae, typically exhibit a metallic coloration with vivid hues that can range from green to blue and red depending on the species.
Identification Tips
Look for their distinctive wasp-like appearance and metallic sheen; their body morphology may vary with species but generally they have a compact, rounded shape.
Habitat
Found in a variety of environments, often near host availability; they typically inhabit fields, gardens, and areas with flowering plants.
Distribution
Much of the world, with ~90% of species found in the Old World. Roughly 150 species worldwide, with around 9 species found in the described area.
Diet
Their adult diet is not well documented but like many wasps, they may feed on nectar. The larvae develop in the nests of their hosts, which are typically from the subfamily Philanthinae.
Life Cycle
Life cycles involve parasitism; adult Hedychrum females lay their eggs in the nests of specific host species where the larvae develop.
Reproduction
Reproductive strategies involve finding and invading the nests of host species, primarily those from the Philanthinae subfamily, where they lay their eggs without building their own nests.
Ecosystem Role
These wasps play an important role in controlling host populations and may also contribute to pollination.
Collecting Methods
- Netting adults
- Collecting from host nests
Preservation Methods
- Pinning
- Drying
Evolution
Evolutionarily, Hedychrum has adapted to a parasitic lifestyle, taking advantage of the nesting behavior of host species for their reproductive success.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Hedychrum, like other cuckoo wasps, may be mistaken for harmful wasps due to their appearance, though they are not aggressive and do not sting.
Tags
- cuckoo wasps
- Chrysididae
- parasitic wasps
- Hedychrum