Taxonomy
Chrysis mediata
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Body length: 6-10mm
- Iridescent blue-green head and thorax
- Iridescent red abdomen
- Abdomen tip with four well-defined teeth
- Difficult to separate from other Chrysis species. Microscopic examination and the use of specialist keys are required for identification.
Habitat
Unknown in Ireland. Elsewhere in Europe it can be found along clay banks, cliff faces and gardens.
Flight period
This species has only been found in May in Ireland. In Britain it flies from May until September.
Nesting biology
A kleptoparasite. The females enter the nests of other solitary wasps and lays her eggs there. In this case, member of the genus Odynerus and Ancistrocerus are reportedly used. Each egg will hatch and the larvae consume the egg of the host species before feeding on the supply of small caterpillars deposited there by the host female. In Ireland, the specific host species is unknown, but elsewhere it is uses Spiny Mason Wasp (Odynerus spinipes) and the Three-banded Mason Wasp (Ancistrocerus trifasciatus)
Flowers visited
Not an avid nectar feeder, but will occasionally visit composite flowers.
Native region
Europe
Similar species
- Chrysis ignita
- Chrysis impressa
- Chrysis rutiliventris
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2025
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References
Publications
Nelson, B., Ronayne, C., Nash, R., & O’Connor, J. P. (2001). Additions and Changes to the Irish aculeate Hymenoptera Checklist. The Irish Naturalists’ Journal, 26(12), 453–459. http://www.jstor.org/stable/25536366