The Cuckoo Wasp:

Anyone study the cuckoo wasp, this is a very clever parasitic wasp that uses a lot of tricks to keep the species going.
I think we have a species in this area but I wasn`t able to capture it. The unique coloration really stands out among several parasitic families. I may have better luck with a better net this summer since the flight speed is incredible. We have a number of other parasitic wasp around I plan to study also.
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Yeah, I actually spent a day looking into these guys. I was actually on a vacation when I caught it. I forgot where I was at the time? Not only are there colors stunning and are they fast. They are extremely durable. The one I found was in the pool sucked under neath the water in the pool filter. It's colors reflecting the sunshine caught my eye. I thought it was dead. However I set it on the table considering pinning it, and when I came back there was slight movement. Slowly it regained strength and took off. It would have to had to been under the water for several minutes? I am thnking much longer though!

I find these guys a LOT while searching around for ants. I'll have to net a couple next time. Cool find.

I bet they would be interesting to look at under the stereo microscope. I guess we are lucky as far as insects go, our winters are usually mild and I find insects usually 12 months out of the year. This month is no exception.
The farmers don`t feel that way though, and the pesticides can kill both good and bad insects. (Exception),, We have a green and brown stink bug (common name) that a pesticide will kill one but not the other, they look the same except for the color, but to be sure about this both would need to be placed on a slide next to each other for a closer look.
Why this is would need to be studied.
Insect rod

I never realized they were wasps. Always Thought they were emerald flies or something with strikingly green colors. Always find them in wood, and now that im googling the two different insects, they're definitely cuckoo wasps.

These guys are what im finding.


These and Velvet ants. Although im not too great and keeping velvet ants alive.

I've seen both these and jewel wasps

What State are some of you members in? May help to understand what species are around.
Insect rod

Im located in michigan.