Taxonomy
Hedychridium ardens
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Body length: 4-6mm
- Iridescent, shining appearance
- Variable coloration, usually a mixture of red, green and yellow
- Rounded abdomen
- Could be confused with other Cuckoo wasps, but smaller and with a unique colour pattern. It also lacks the four 'teeth' at the tip of abdomen.
Habitat
Restricted to open sandy dune systems and sandy heath in the southeast of the island.
Flight period
June-July
Nesting biology
A keltoparasite. The female will enter the nest of other solitary wasps and lay an egg, in this case the Common Tachysphex (Tachysphex pompiliformis). The egg will hatch and the larvae feeds on the egg of the host species as well as its food supply, which is paralysed grasshoppers.
Flowers visited
This species has not been observed feeding on flowers in Ireland.
Native region
Europe
Similar species
- None, although could be confused other cuckoo wasps (see above).
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2025
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References
Publications
Stelfox, A. W. (1924). A List of the Hymenoptera Aculeata (Sensu Lato) of Ireland. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. Section B: Biological, Geological, and Chemical Science, 37, 201–vi. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20490329