Leucospidae
Guides
Leucospis affinis affinis
Leucospis affinis affinis is a chalcidoid wasp in the family Leucospidae, notable for being among the largest members of its superfamily. Females are distinguished by an ovipositor that curves over the dorsal abdomen, used to drill into wood and parasitize solitary bees nesting in pre-existing cavities. The subspecies is primarily a parasite of megachilid bees including leafcutter bees (Megachile), mason bees (Osmia), and resin bees (Dianthidium). Larvae develop as external parasites attached to host bee larvae, completing development in approximately 7–12 days before pupating within the host's cocoon.