Cuckoo Wasp (Chrysididae ), common name for a group of mostly small, stinging wasps. Cuckoo wasps
are brilliant metallic blue, green, or reddish in color. They are parasites that lay their eggs in
the nests of bees, wasps, and certain other insects, which are called their hosts. There are
approximately 3000 species of cuckoo wasps throughout the world, including about 230 species in the
United States and Canada. Cuckoo wasps are also called gold wasps, ruby wasps, and jewel wasps.

Cuckoo wasps are only seen occasionally due to their small size and secretive habits. However, in
open, sunny habitats they are often abundant on flowers and small shrubs, where they feed on nectar.
Cuckoo wasps often lurk near the burrows of their hosts, waiting for an opportunity to sneak in and
lay an egg.

Source: MSN Encarta