More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Wasps of Zihuatanejo
ORDER HYMENOPTERA
-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)
-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)
-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)
-Ants, Bees, Wasps, and Sawflies (Order Hymenoptera)
-Narrow-waisted Wasps, Ants, and Bees (Suborder Apocrita)
-Ants, Bees, and Stinging Wasps (Infraorder Aculeata)
-Cuckoo Wasps and Allies (Superfamily Chrysidoidea)
-Cuckoo Wasps (Family Chrysididae)
-Subfamily Chrysidinae
-Tribe Chrysidini
-Genus Caenochrysis
Chrysidini is a tribe of cuckoo wasps in the subfamily Chrysidinae. Cuckoo wasps (or emerald wasps) which are almost wholly bright iridescent green. These wasps have the ability to roll their body into a ball with their legs tucked in when threatened.
Caenochrysis Cuckoo Wasps
Caenochrysis (Genus)
Description
• Caenochrysis is a genus of cuckoo wasps in the family Chrysididae. These wasps are typically small, with a hard, sculptured exoskeleton and a metallic sheen that may appear green, blue, or turquoise. Like other cuckoo wasps, species in this genus are associated with the nests of other insects, where their larvae develop as parasitoids or nest parasites.
Range
• Species of Caenochrysis occur in the Americas, particularly in warm regions. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.
Habitat
• These wasps are found in sunny, warm habitats such as tropical dry forest, scrubland, woodland edges, and open areas with flowering plants. Adults may visit flowers or search around nesting sites of other wasps and bees.
Diet
• Adults feed on nectar and other sugary substances. Their larvae develop in the nests of host insects, using the host’s provisions or offspring as a food source, depending on the species and host relationship.