Taxonomy
Chrysis ignita
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- 6-10mm
- Iridescent blue-green head and thorax
- Iridescent red abdomen
- Abdomen tip with four sharply-defined teeth
- Separation from other Chrysis is difficult. The use of a microscope and specialist keys are required for identification.
Habitat
Poorly known in Ireland. It has been found in a variety of habitats including woodland, gardens, stone walls, heathland and coastal areas.
Flight period
It has been recorded from May-July in Ireland. In Britain it can fly until September.
Nesting biology
A kleptoparasite. The female will enter the nest of other solitary species (in this case member of the genus Ancistrocerus) and lay an egg. The egg will hatch and the larvae will consume the egg of the host species before feeding on the small caterpillars deposited by the female host wasp. In Ireland the host species appears to be the Small-notched Mason Wasp (Ancistrocerus gazella), although other hosts may also be used.
Flowers visited
Not an avid nectar feeder, but it will occasionally visit composite flowers such as Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) or Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).
Native region
Europe, North America, Temperate Asia
Similar species
- Chrysis impressa
- Chrysis mediata
- Chrysis rutiliventris
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2023
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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
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