Ruby-tailed Wasp (Chrysis ignita)
The first time that I have managed to get a photograph of a Ruby-tailed Wasp. They are tiny (only 7-10mm in length), but seen up close their glittering colours are beautiful. They are a solitary wasp and actually lay their eggs in the nests of other solitary bees and wasps, especially the nests of Mason Bees. If the owner of the nest is absent the female parasitises their larvae. When her eggs hatch, they eat the larvae of the Mason Bees - this is why the Ruby-tailed Wasp is sometimes called the 'Cuckoo Wasp'. Taken at RSPB Saltholme today.
Many thanks to all who take the time to view, comment or fave my images.
Ruby-tailed Wasp (Chrysis ignita)
The first time that I have managed to get a photograph of a Ruby-tailed Wasp. They are tiny (only 7-10mm in length), but seen up close their glittering colours are beautiful. They are a solitary wasp and actually lay their eggs in the nests of other solitary bees and wasps, especially the nests of Mason Bees. If the owner of the nest is absent the female parasitises their larvae. When her eggs hatch, they eat the larvae of the Mason Bees - this is why the Ruby-tailed Wasp is sometimes called the 'Cuckoo Wasp'. Taken at RSPB Saltholme today.
Many thanks to all who take the time to view, comment or fave my images.