Wasps of the World

  A. hirsutus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, specifically known for being a specialized predator of trapdoor spiders. Females are black, featuring a brilliant blue, green, or violet sheen (pubescence) on their bodies, legs, and forewings. Females are generally 6.5–13.0 mm in length, with size largely determined by the size of the spider host they fed on as a larva. They have a distinctive, streamlined look with a concave back of the head that fits snugly against a convex prothorax, which aids in navigating spider burrows. Aporus hirsutus is found in the western United States, including California, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, and western Arizona, extending south into Sonora and Baja California, and Mexico. They prefer loose sand, active sand dunes, and desert habitats. They are host-specific, preying on wafer-lid trapdoor spiders of the genus Aptostichus. The female stings the spider to paralyze it and lays an egg on it, allowing the larva to feed on the host....

  Plumarius is a genus of rare, Chrysidoid wasps within the Plumariidae family. Males are winged, have fringed antennae, and are often found in light traps, while females are wingless, ground-dwelling, and rarely observed. They are primarily in arid/semiarid areas of South America (Ecuador to Chile and Argentina) and Southern Africa, pointing to a Gondwanan distribution. The specific host of Plumarius is currently unknown, and very little is known of their biology. It is speculated that larvae are likely idiobiont ectophages. The female is wingless and typically has a narrow body. The mesothorax is separated from the propodeum/metathorax by a deep ventral and lateral constriction, they have a prognathous (forward-pointing) head, and the pronotum is horizontal in orientation. The propleuron is fused into a tube. They possess a modified ovipositor that functions as a sting, consistent with the Chrysidoidea superfamily.  

  Megaprosternum is a genus of strongly flattened flat wasps in the subfamily Scleroderminae (family Bethylidae). Established by Celso Oliveira Azevedo in 2006, these wasps are characterized by their extremely flattened bodies and a remarkably large, pentagonal probasisternum (a part of the thorax), which is the source of the genus's name.  Megaprosternum are gregarious larval ectoparasitoids, meaning multiple larvae develop on the outside of a single host larva. The are known to parasitize Cerambycid beetles within the galleries they create. Eggs are oval, off-white, and typically arranged on the lateral sides towards the posterior region of the host grub. Species in this genus have been identified in the Seychelles, India, and various African regions. Females have an elongate head (approx. 1.31× as long as wide). Females are typically larger and more flattened than males. While males are always winged, females in this subfamily can s...

  L. clypeata is a solitary square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae. It is found across Southern Europe, North Africa, and western/central Asia. It was previously recorded in southern Britain, but is considered extinct there. Measuring 8–12 mm, these wasps nest in dead wood, provisioning their larvae with paralyzed adult moths and small butterflies. Unlike many Crabronidae that catch flies, Lestica clypeata specifically hunts small adult Lepidoptera to feed their larvae. They are active from May to September. Males have distinctive, elongated heads and enlarged front tarsi. This species inhabits open heath, scrub, and woodland edges. Adults are often found on umbellifers (flowering plants in the Apiaceae family). 

  C. mionii known as the rainbow cuckoo wasp, is a small, vibrant, metallic-green and red-coloured wasp species found in South Africa, including areas like Bloemfontein and the Renosterveld. As a member of the Chrysididae family, it is a kleptoparasite, likely laying eggs in the nests of other solitary wasps or bees. The larva consumes the host's own eggs or larvae, as well as any food provisions left by the host parent. They are known for curling into a protective ball, and are roughly 7-10 mm in length. These wasps are often described as having a stunning, metallic, or vibrant "rainbow" appearance, typically featuring bright green, blue, and red or copper colours. Adult wasps primarily feed on flower nectar. These wasps are most active during the hottest and driest summer months, favouring dry areas and sandy soils. 

  T. pulchralis is a species of flower wasp in the family Thynnidae (formerly classified as Tiphiidae). Native to Australia, with sightings recorded in regions like North-eastern Queensland (Paluma National Park), New South Wales (Dubbo), and South Australia (Murraylands). It is known as the "Beautiful Flower Wasp", with the male having "stunning" and "vibrant" contrasting colours, often described as having an Aztec-like pattern stencilled on its back. Like other flowers wasps, they display sexual dimorphism. The males are winged and can grow to about 21mm long, while the females are wingless (apterous), and are less than one-third of the male's size. Male Thynnus wasps fly low over vegetation searching for females. Once a female is located, the male grabs her, often while she is feeding on nectar. A defining behaviour is that the winged male lifts the wingless female into the air and carries her during flight while mating. This allows the femal...

Piogaster is a genus of Pimpline Ichneumonid wasp in the tribe Ephialtini. It was historically linked closely with the Schizopyga subgroup within the wider  Polysphincta  genus-group. They are koinobiont (a type of parasitoid that lays its eggs in or on a host, allowing the host to continue growing, feeding, and developing for an extended period before finally killing it), ectoparasitoids (a parasitoid whose larvae develop externally, feeding on the outside of a single host organism, eventually killing it), of living spiders. They are considered specialists in attacking spiders, and like other Polysphinctines, likely modify the host's web-building behavior. The female wasp stings a spider, temporarily paralyzing it to lay an egg on its abdomen. The larva develops on the active spider, likely manipulating its host's behaviour to build a special web before killing it and pupating. Known species include P. pilosator and P. albina , with distribution in the Holarctic...

The steel-blue cricket hunter is a solitary thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae. It is non-aggressive, known for its brilliant metallic blue body and dark wings, measuring up to 1.25 inches. This wasp has several colour phases, such as metallic blue, green/teal, and purple. Darker violet or deep blue individuals are typically found further north and east, while brighter teal or greenish individuals are more common in the west and south. They are found across North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Females hunt crickets, stinging them to paralyze rather than kill, then drag them to a nest, often in open areas like meadows or gardens. They are solitary ground nesters. Females lay an egg on the paralyzed cricket, which serves as food for the larva. The larva consumes the living but paralyzed crickets over the course of about a week before pupating and emerging as an adult the following summer. They are considered beneficial insects for controlling cricket popul...

  This Chalcidoid wasp is a parasitoid in the family Chalcididae, known for its distinct red and black colouration and prominent teeth on their hind femora, used for gripping. Found in regions like Florida, these small wasps are part of the Conura nigricornis complex. As parasitoids, they likely target Lepidoptera pupae or other insects, serving as natural pest control. C. lasnierii has been associated with hosts in the family Erebidae.  Conura species are known to attack Lepidoptera pupae, but some may also parasitize Diptera (flies, such as Syrphidae) or Coleoptera (beetles, such as Curculionidae). These tiny wasps (often 3mm or less) are harmless to humans and do not sting.  

  M. garuda  is a giant, shiny black species of crabronid wasp discovered in 2012 in Indonesia's Sulawesi region. Discovered by researchers Lynn Kimsey and Michael Ohl, it was named after Garuda, the mythical Indonesian bird-like figure, due to its impressive size. Nicknamed the "King of Wasps," it is known for its massive jaws in males (up to 3.4 cm) and is, in part, distinguished by its unique, large malar space. The males are notable for having exceptionally long, sickle-shaped jaws that are nearly as long as their forelegs. It is speculated that these jaws are likely used for holding females during copulation rather than for hunting, as well as serving a defensive purpose, allowing them to fight other males. They are exceptionally large, ranging from 32–34 mm, whereas females are smaller, around 20–25 mm. M. garuda belongs to the family Crabronidae and is related to the genus Paraliris . As of 2026, the specific prey or host species for the Megalara garuda ...

This Chalcidoid wasp belongs to the family Eulophidae (subfamily Tetrastichinae), and was described by Kostjukov and Yegorenkova in 2007. It belongs to the genus Kolopterna , a group of endoparasitoids that attack gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Like other species in its genus, it is found in the Palearctic region, specifically within the Middle Volga Region of Russia. Body length ranges from 1.65–2.0 mm. Species within Kolopterna typically have a body that is dark brown/black and yellow or entirely yellow, often with metallic green tinges on the mesosoma. They are distinguished by having very short basal segments on the middle and hind tarsi and a specific deep, distinct fovea (depression) on the malar sulcus below the eye. 

  R. saussurei is a species of paper wasp in the tribe Ropalidiini (subfamily Polistinae), native to Madagascar. They are part of a diverse group of Ropalidia wasps on the island, known for building single-comb, open nests (gymnodomous and stelocyttarous) attached to vegetation. Stelocyttarous refers to a nest where the comb (the structure containing cells for larvae) is supported by one or more pillars or stalks, known as a petiole. It describes the attachment mechanism of the nest, which hangs from the substrate. Gymnodomous refers to a nest that is "naked" or uncovered, meaning the comb is exposed and lacks an outer protective envelope. Some Ropalidia species in Madagascar have developed unique, concealed, or inverted, nest architectures to hide from predators. These wasps are social, and larvae are fed with soft-bodied insects like caterpillars. Madagascar has a high diversity of  Ropalidia  species, with new species still being discove...

  Oligosita sanguinea (Girault), is a minute species of parasitic wasp in the family Trichogrammatidae, known to parasitize the eggs of Hemiptera, specifically leafhoppers (Cicadellidae), although Trichogrammatids as a whole can parasitize the eggs of many different orders of insects, such as, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, and Diptera. Originally described in 1911, O. sanguinea  is found in the USA and is used in potential biocontrol for agricultural pests. They are tiny, often less than 1 mm in length, with delicate, fringed wings. Some specimens exhibit a distinctive bright, orange or reddish colour on the body. Identified in the USA, including Illinois, Maryland, and New York. They are found in vineyard agro-ecosystems and other habitats harbouring host leafhoppers. They are considered beneficial insects for natural, sustainable pest control in integrated pest management ( IPM ) programs. These wasps are characterized by having 3-segm...

  Synagris cornuta is a large, African potter wasp (family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae), known for its striking sexual dimorphism, where males possess large mandibular horns/projections used for, or resulting from, male-male competition. Males can exhibit different behaviours, including patrolling, guarding, or acting as satellites. These wasps are subsocial, with females guarding their nests, and practicing progressive provisioning, where mothers feed developing larvae directly. Akin to a queen in eusocial wasps, a S. cornuta female initiates construction of a cell into which she oviposits and then, similar to a worker, cares for the brood as it develops. They are found in West African forests from Sierra Leone to Uganda. Females are known to hunt insects like caterpillars, which they use as provision for their brood. 

  Y. tiger is a Braconid wasp in the subfamily Microgastrinae. Formally described by Fernandez-Triana & Boudreault in 2018, it is one of approximately six described species within the Ypsilonigaster genus, primarily found in the Indomalaya region. Y. tiger is known from Thailand. The species was described as part of a 2018 study detailing 17 new genera of Microgastrine parasitoid wasps, with Y. tiger serving as the type species for the genus. It is a small parasitoid wasp, with one female holotype measuring roughly 5.45–5.55 mm in body and forewing length. It possesses a relatively elongate head, with coarse, dense punctures on the face, clypeus, and labrum. The colouration of the body (for the female), is generally black/dark brown on the thoracic region, posterior of the metasoma, and middle/hind pair of legs. The anterior of the metasoma is cream, with the anterior half of the thoracic region, front pair of legs, and head being an orange-yellow. While other micr...

  Mymaridae, commonly known as fairyflies or fairy wasps, are a family of extremely tiny parasitoid wasps in the superfamily Chalcidoidea, found worldwide. These insects are specialized egg parasitoids, laying their eggs inside the eggs of other insects such as Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Odonata and Psocoptera, and are often used for biocontrol. Some species such as Eustochus (Caraphractus) can even swim underwater using their feather-like wings as paddles to locate dragonfly eggs. For the microscopic Mymaridae, air does not feel like a thin gas but rather like a dense, viscous fluid, often compared to moving through honey or syrup. Because they are so small, the physical forces governing their flight shift from lift-based (like an airplane) to drag-based. Instead of generating lift through airfoils, Mymaridae essentially row or swim through the air using these paddles to push against the viscous resistance. Generally 0.5 to 1.0 mm long, with some species being even smal...

  Doddifoenus wallacei is a giant parasitic wasp in the family Pelecinellidae (formerly Pteromalidae), notable as the longest known species in the superfamily Chalcidoidea. Females measure up to 41.4 mm in total length (including a long ovipositor). Known only from Thailand and Laos, this diurnal wasp is believed to parasitize wood-boring beetles in the family Cerambycidae, and typically inhabits primary rainforests. The holoptype was collected in 2005 in Thailand, and was described in 2009. It belongs to the subfamily Leptofoeninae. 

 Trigonalid wasps like the one pictured above, are incredibly fascinating. They have one of the most complex, and highly specialized life cycles. Firstly, they are hyperparasitoids. The female will lay thousands of eggs, clamping them on foliage, with the intent of the eggs being ingested by an herbivorous host, like a caterpillar. Once the eggs are consumed, they will hatch and attack any already inhabiting primary parasitoid host, like a Tachinid fly or Ichneumonid. Some Trigonalid wasps are also parasitoids of Vespid wasps, and for their continued survival, the original host (caterpillar), must be brought back to the nest where it is fed to a Vespid wasp larva. The Vespid larva consumes the caterpillar and Trigonalid larva(e) that are inside and becomes parasitized. O. hova is found in Madagascar. While specific host data for O. hova is limited, the genus Orthogonalys is known to act as a parasitoid of Tachinidae (Diptera) that are themselves parasitizing Lepidoptera lar...

  This very strange-looking Ichneumonid wasp (subfamily Ichneumoninae), has very peculiar physical features, such as massively expanded genae ("cheeks"), a long lower face, and horns located above the antennae. The specific epithet " phacochoerus " is derived from the genus name of the warthog, which this wasp's facial structure strikingly resembles. This morphology serves as an evolutionary purpose. For the wasps to successfully access and oviposit into hosts living within substrates, this either requires an elongate ovipositor, or an ability on the part of the female wasp to navigate through the substrate to reach the host for direct oviposition. The latter option appears to have driven evolution of various types of facial protrusions, which at least in the case of the ichneumonid genus Genaemirum  (Heinrich, 1936), has led to the hypothesis that the highly modified spade-like protrusions of the clypeus and genae are used in a shovelling manner to facilitate n...

  T. genieri is a species of Neotropical parasitoid wasp in the family Scelionidae (in the superfamily Platygastroidea), described in 2007. It is known for its distinctive, strongly produced frontal ledge and notably elongated mandibles that hinge vertically rather than horizontally. It also has a well-developed skaphion, a specialized morphological feature found in certain parasitoid wasps within the order Hymenoptera, specifically in the family Scelionidae. It is defined as an anterior, carinate (ridged), boat-shaped or bowl-shaped subdivision of the mesoscutum. Native to Brazil, it can be found in semi-deciduous or primary lowland Atlantic forests. Their host is unknown. Tyrannoscelio is placed within the Scelioninae, with a possible relationship to the tribes Psilanteridini, Thoronini, or Parascelionini, which are typically parasitoids of insect eggs.

This tiny Aphelinid is a beneficial parasitic wasp used as a highly effective biocontrol agent against whiteflies in greenhouse crops. These wasps range from 0.7-1mm in length, and the females will lay eggs under whitefly nymphs. The wasp larvae then consume the pest from within. E. eremicus is robust and effective in high temperatures (30°C or above), and is less sensitive to pesticides. Adult females are lemon yellow with green eyes, males are slightly darker with longer antennae. Females will also utilize whitefly nymphs for both oviposition and adult host-feeding to increase longevity and fecundity. They are often attracted to 2nd and 3rd instar nymphs, use their ovipositors to create wounds, consuming the hemolymph. Egg-to-adult development takes approximately 3 weeks at 25°C. Parasitized nymphs become yellowish-beige and develop a rounded exit hole. The wasps are often introduced weekly at rates depending on infestation levels, frequently used in combination with other ...

  H. pretiosa is a parasitoid wasp in the family Heydeniidae (formerly placed in Pteromalidae), widely distributed across Europe and the Middle East. It is a natural enemy of xylophagous bark beetles (Scolytinae/Scolytidae), but other potential hosts may include jewel beetles (Buprestidae), and longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae). These wasps are commonly found in forested environments where they attack insects under the bark of dying trees.  Heydenia species generally exhibit a slender, elongate, and somewhat flattened body. They are also often described as having a metallic, iridescent colour. 

  Ablerus is the only genus in the family Azotidae (in the Chalcidoidea superfamily). It was formerly placed as Azotinae, a subfamily of Aphelinidae, but was elevated in rank in 2013 to become the monotypic family Azotidae. They are very small (between 0.5-2 mm in length), and are hyperparasitoids, parasitizing other parasitic wasps that are already attacking pests like scale insects (Diaspididae) and whiteflies (Aleyrodidae).  They are often with black, brown, or yellow bodies, sometimes with metallic luster. Their forewings typically have a dark, infuscated crossband. The antennae often show alternating dark/light patterning, and have 5-segmented tarsi. They are found globally, with significant records in the US, China, and Africa. These wasps are important in biological control, although their role is complex as they can destroy beneficial primary parasitoids. 

  Eusandalum is a genus of wasps in the family Eupelmidae that are primarily parasitoids of wood-boring beetles. These wasps are often metallic, are found worldwide, and typically measure a few mm, although some are larger. Females typically possess a large, cone-shaped abdomen and a long, slender last gastral tergite that covers the ovipositor sheaths. They feature a unique, rasped area on the face for navigating debris-filled wood tunnels during emergence. They are noted for being excellent jumpers, a trait common among many Eupelmidae due to specialized thoracic muscles. They are often associated with woody, forested habitats due to their host preference. Some North American species of Eusandalum are not yet fully described. Unlike some other Eupelmids that act as generalists or hyperparasitoids, Eusandalum primarily targets beetles. 

This tiny Eulophid wasp is known for its red eyes, and bright yellow body with distinctive longitudinal black or dark brown stripes that extend from the posterior margin of the pronotum to the notaulus. The gaster is also typically marked with transverse dark stripes. The head is marked with a distinct median stripe on the lower face (sometimes referred to as a "nose stripe"). The vertex has two stripes above each compound eye, and the gena (cheek) has dark stripes behind the compound eyes. The scape is yellow with a dark, often oblique, stripe dorsally. The prepectus is yellow with a dark stripe along the dorsal margin. Z. multilineatum is an idiobiont (kills or paralyzes host immediately upon oviposition), ectoparasitoid (development outside the host's body), typically of Dipteran and Lepidopteran leafminers in the families Agromyzidae and Gracillariidae (and other leafminer Lepidopteran families). It has also been recorded from other hosts such as Tenthredinidae (Hyme...

  L. gigas is a member of the Leucospidae family. Adults are about 2cm long, with a robust body and black/yellow markings. They have greatly enlarged hind femora with rows of saw-like teeth. Females have a long, distinctive ovipositor that is bent upward and forward over the metasoma. When ready to lay an egg, a unique anatomical transformation occurs: her abdomen (gaster) effectively splits, allowing the base of the ovipositor to loop out and its tip to be positioned underneath her body, pointing straight down. L. gigas is an ectoparasitoid of bees in the Megachilidae family ,  such as Megachile desertorum for example ,  and it is found throughout Eurasia. In some areas such as Switzerland, L. gigas is known to be thelytokous (a type of parthenogenesis), with mainly females observed. They often mimic other wasps or bees, and can exhibit red markings in some forms. 

Marietta is a genus of tiny parasitoid wasps in the family Aphelinidae. Measuring roughly 1mm long, they are also characterized by distinct spotted and striped patterns, particularly visible on their wings and body. Some species even have patterning on the gaster that is strongly reminiscent of graffiti. They are primarily obligate hyperparasitoids. Marietta typically parasitize other Chalcidoid wasps (such as Encyrtidae or Eulophidae) that are already developing inside or on scale insects, aphids, or Psyllids. In biological control programs, Marietta species are often viewed as detrimental or a nuisance because they kill the beneficial primary parasitoids that control agricultural pests. However, their role can be complex. For example, in some ecosystems, they can act as a stabilizing force. Marietta picta has been found to mediate the coexistence of two different primary parasitoids by reducing the dominance of one, allowing a second beneficial species to establish itself, and hel...

Like all Eucharitid wasps, this is a specialized ant parasitoid, specifically of the species Ectatomma brunneum (Formicidae: Ectatomminae). Females oviposit around 400 eggs, which are deposited on Sida cordifolia (Malvaceae), a plant that is frequently visited by the ants. Within 11 days, the very mobile first-instar planidia hatch with a propensity to jump to attach to foraging ants. The Eucharitid larvae are carried back to the nest, where they develop as ectoparasitoids on the ant larvae, eventually killing them. Galearia is identified within the Kapala clade by having paired mesoscutellar spines that are broadly arched, and form a carapace over the gaster. This species is primarily found in South America, with a wide Neotropical distribution including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Venezuela. 

Agamerion is a wasp in the family Lyciscidae. It is an Australasian genus of wasps found on smooth barked Eucalyptus trees. They are parasitoids known to develop in the egg cases (oothecae) of cockroaches, which are often found under Eucalyptus bark. Members of this genus often display brilliant metallic colouration, have a relatively short pronotum, and have deep v-shaped grooves (scrobes) on their heads where their antennae rest. 

Cameronella is a genus of "dart-tailed" parasitoid wasp native to Australia, belonging to the family Pteromalidae (subfamily Colotrechinae). They are specialized, metallic, and often found on Eucalyptus trees, where they parasitize gall-inducing scale insects of the genus Apiomorpha . Females possess a modified, elongated epipygium that resembles the feathers of an arrow or a dart. Restricted to Australia, with records in Queensland, New South Wales, south Australia, and western Australia. Females will use their ovipositor to drill into the hard galls of Apiomorpha to lay eggs. They have been seen using a technique called "antennation" to tap the surface of the gall, to detect the host's condition (alive or already parasitized). Adults likely feed on the nectar of flowers, though they may also consume host honeydew. They are ectoparasitoids, meaning their larvae develop outside the body of the Apiomorpha host. 

  This tiny wasp is a peculiar parasitoid, and a helpful, specialized agent in controlling the population of seed-feeding weevil larvae. An interesting feature about this wasp is the moderately setose body of the adult. There is no current information about the function of these setae. Further research is needed. The female will lay small, stalked eggs near the host egg. Upon hatching, the first-instar larvae are active planidia that attach to the developing weevil larvae. The wasp larvae remain attached to the host until the weevil pupates in the soil, at which point the wasp will complete its development. Known hosts include Auleutes and Smicronyx  species which are often found on plants in the Asteraceae family. They are Chalcidoid wasps, formerly placed in Pteromalidae, but modern phylogenetic studies place Eutrichosomatinae within a broader clade known as the Planidial Larva Clade ( PLC ). Molecular and morphological data suggest Eutrichosoma belongs within the "Perilam...

The Pacific velvet ant is a species of wingless wasp found in the western United States and Mexico. They are characterized by dense, bright red, yellow, or orange setae, and a large, square-shaped head. Females are roughly 11 to 12mm long, and possess a notoriously painful sting. Mutillids demonstrate sexual dimorphism. Females are apterous, whereas males are fully macropterous. Adults primarily feed on nectar. Females are parasitic, laying eggs in the nests of other ground-nesting wasps. They can be found in dry, sandy, and arid habitats. They can also stridulate as an alternative form of defence to warn predators alongside their aposematic colouration. A scraper on the 3rd abdominal tergite moves against a file on the 4th, producing a high-pitched, squeaking or chirping sound, especially when disturbed or attacked. 

One of the most iconic wasps of the Americas. The abdomen (or gaster) of P. polyturator is highly flexible, and articulated in order to reach its host underground which are soil-dwelling beetles such as May beetle larvae ( Phyllophaga spp.). It may look menacing, but it is actually quite harmless. The ovipositor is tiny and situated at the very tip of the gaster. It exhibits a geographical difference in reproduction, particularly regarding the presence of males. In North America (Canada and USA), males are extremely rare and make up only 2-5 % of the population. Females reproduce through thelytoky (a form of parthenogenesis) where they produce female offspring from unfertilized eggs. Males are thought to dislike colder climates, which limits their presence to the warmer, tropical parts of their range in South America. 

  Greene's giant Ichneumonid wasp. It is native to Canada and the USA. It is a parasitoid of Tremex columba, a Siricid sawfly. The female M. greenei uses her ovipositor to lay an egg on the sawfly larva, which inhabits in dead or decaying hardwood trees. It is similar to Megarhyssa macrurus , but typically has a shorter ovipositor, and lacks the dark facial striping of its relative. 

This is the Northern red-banded yellowjacket. It was formerly considered a synonym of the Eurasian species Vespula rufa but was confirmed as a distinct North American species in 2012. It is found primarily in northern Canada (from Yukon to Newfoundland) and the northern United States, including Alaska, Maine, and parts of the Great Lakes region. I wish this species occurred in Ottawa, it is my favourite species of North American yellowjacket, not to mention it's extremely pretty.

  Native to Chile, this fancy Sphecid wasp is a treat to the eyes. Males of this species are typically larger than females, reaching 2.4 - 3.3 cm, whereas females only reach about 1.6 - 2.8 cm. These wasps prey on Orthopterans such as crickets, and paralyze them to feed their larvae. 

The drawing that started it all. It was created on January 16th 2024. I had challenged myself to draw a complex subject, such as this Chrysidid, in pure coloured pencils. The result was better than I had anticipated, and thus, Wasps of the World was born. I drew a total of 48 different wasps from around the world. This project took a little over 2 years to complete. More artwork to come in the following posts! To add, C. equestris is found in European regions, and is part of the smaragdula-fasciata group. It is a cleptoparasite or parasitoid on solitary bees and wasps.