Cylindrical Tachinid vs American Cuckoo Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cylindrical Tachinid American Cuckoo Wasp
Scientific Name Cylindromyia brassicaria Chrysis angolensis
Order Diptera Hymenoptera
Family Tachinidae Chrysididae
Size 8-12 mm 7-12 mm
Habitat Heathland Farmland
Diet Parasites Parasites
Regions Europe Sub-Saharan Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cylindrical Tachinid

A slender, wasp-like parasitic fly with a narrow cylindrical abdomen. Parasitizes shieldbugs by laying eggs directly onto the host. Found in warm, flower-rich habitats.

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Did You Know?

Its wasp-like appearance is a remarkable case of mimicry in a group of true flies.

American Cuckoo Wasp

A metallic green and blue cuckoo wasp found across sub-Saharan Africa. It parasitizes mud-nesting wasps and bees on rocky outcrops and buildings.

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Did You Know?

Despite its species name referencing Angola, it is found throughout most of tropical and southern Africa.