Cleptes speciosus

Cleptes speciosus is a of cuckoo wasp in the Chrysididae, first described from China. The species is one of nine new species discovered during the first systematic revision of the Cleptes from China. Members of this genus are of and exhibit the distinctive metallic coloration and conglobation characteristic of cuckoo wasps.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cleptes speciosus: //ˈklɛp.tiːz spɛˈsiː.oʊ.səs//

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Distribution

China

Host Associations

Sawflies (prepupae) - Members of the Cleptes are of

Behavior

Like other cuckoo wasps, Cleptes speciosus is capable of conglobation—curling into a protective ball when threatened. This defensive mechanism is shared with other members of the Chrysididae and is also observed in pill bugs and armadillos.

Ecological Role

As a of , this functions as a agent of sawfly .

Similar Taxa

Other Cleptes speciesThe Cleptes contains multiple with similar metallic coloration and lifestyle; accurate identification requires detailed morphological examination and was the focus of the first Chinese revision of the genus.