cuckoo wasps

Elampus is a genus of parasitic cuckoo wasps. It occurs in Europe, Japan, southern Africa, and North America. There aare 63 Elampus species worldwide, and new species are still being discovered and described. There are 8 species in North America north of Mexico and at least 5 species in Minnesota.

Elampus wasps parasitize the eggs of other insects, including wasps in the family and Crabronidae and possibly also in the family Sphecidae.

Elampus wasps are relatively small, with most species measuring between 3-5 mm in length.

The body is elongated and slender, with a distinct waist or petiole that separates the thorax from the abdomen. The coloration can vary between species, but it is typically dark black or brown.

The head is small and rounded, with large compound eyes and long, slender antennae that are often longer than the body. The mouthparts are optimized for chewing, and they use it to cut into the eggs of their host insects.

The female has a long, slender ovipositor.

The wings are membranous and translucent, with distinctive venation patterns. They are often held flat over the body at rest.

The legs are long and slender, with sharp claws at the end.

The wings are clear or slightly tinted.

Sources

24, 27, 29, 30, 82, 83.

This genus has no common name. The common name for the family Chrysididae is cuckoo wasps, and it is applied here for convenience.

Elampus sp.

Location: Barnes Prairie, Racine Co., WI

Location: Woodbury, Minnesota