Aphid-parasite
Guides
Omalus downeyi
Downey's Cuckoo Wasp
Omalus downeyi is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. Like other members of the genus Omalus, it is a kleptoparasite that targets the nests of solitary wasps, particularly aphid-hunting wasps in the family Crabronidae such as Pemphredon and Passaloecus. The species exhibits an indirect parasitic strategy: females oviposit into aphids, which are then captured by host wasps and transported to their nests, where the cuckoo wasp larva develops by consuming the host's provisions.
Omalus glomeratus
Omalus glomeratus is a species of cuckoo wasp (family Chrysididae) known for its kleptoparasitic lifestyle. Like other members of the genus Omalus, females oviposit directly into aphids, exploiting the hunting behavior of aphid wasps in the family Crabronidae (such as Pemphredon and Passaloecus). When a crabronid wasp captures and carries the parasitized aphid to its nest, the Omalus larva hatches and consumes the food provisions intended for the host larva. This indirect parasitic strategy avoids the risks of direct nest entry. The species has been observed in Europe and represents part of a broader behavioral pattern documented across Omalus, Pseudomalus, and Holopyga.
Omalus iridescens
Omalus iridescens is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. Like other members of the genus Omalus, it is a cleptoparasite that exploits the nesting behavior of solitary wasps. The species exhibits the characteristic metallic coloration typical of chrysidid wasps. Based on documented behaviors of closely related Omalus species, females likely oviposit into aphids that are subsequently captured by crabronid wasps and transported to their nests, where the cuckoo wasp larva develops at the expense of the host's offspring.