Cuckoo Wasp
Cuckoo wasps are named after cuckoo birds as they have parasitic behaviour like them. Cuckoo wasps lay their eggs in the nests of other species, where the larvae feed on the host’s eggs or larvae. They are host specific, which means cuckoo wasps are specific in their choice of host species. They target a typically particular host species or group of related species. Cuckoo wasps are fascinating insects with a unique parasitic life cycle. They are important natural enemies of many bee wasp species, helping to regulate their populations in natural ecosystems. Our wasp removal Perth team is always ready to help the community in our service areas.
Appearance:-
- Colour: Cuckoo wasps have a metallic, glowing body colouration that ranges from green and blue to red and gold.
- Shape: They have distinctive wasp-like body shapes, and a narrow waist area separating the thorax and abdomen.
- Size: They are usually small, with adults typically measuring between 5-15mm in length.
- Wings: They have two pairs of wings.
The Complete Life Cycle of Cuckoo Wasps:-
- Egg: The female cuckoo wasp lays her eggs in the nests of other insects, especially bees and wasps. The eggs are usually laid on or near the larvae of the host species.
- Larva: Once the egg hatches, the cuckoo wasp larva begins to feed on the host larvae or eggs, eventually killing them. The cuckoo wasp larva is often more aggressive than the host larvae, which allows it to outcompete them for resources.
- Pupa: After the cuckoo wasp larva has completed its development, it spins a cocoon around itself to enter the pupal stage. During this stage, the insect undergoes metamorphosis and transforms into its adult form.
- Adult: Once the metamorphosis is complete, the adult cuckoo wasp emerges from its cocoon. The adult is typically brightly coloured, with metallic greens, blues, or reds.
The adult cuckoo wasp does not build nests but instead seeks out the nests of other insects to lay its eggs and start the cycle anew.
Habitat of Cuckoo Wasps:
They live in urban areas, woodlands and forests. Adult wasps don’t build their own nests, they seek shelter in other wasps or host nests. Cuckoo wasps are important pollinators and can be proven helpful for mankind. They also help in balancing the population of other wasps, bees or pollinators by becoming their potential enemy.
Adult cuckoo wasps feed on nectar and sometimes the honeydew produced by aphids.
Due to their narrow waist, cuckoo wasps curl up and become like a ball to protect themselves when they get disturbed or when they have to protect themselves from other predators.
Book A Professional Team For Cuckoo Wasp Removal
As not all locations may be suitable for the wasp treatment process, you can risk getting hurt if you try to enter any of these regions on your own. We start by determining the kind of wasps that require treatment. The method of wasp treatment varies depending on the species of wasp. Once the wasp has been located, we will suggest a course of treatment to you. You can book a professional wasp control Perth team with us.