The Cuckoo Wasps (227 NA spp) are medium-sized, often metallic green species
with sculptured thorax and ventrally concave abdomen. They roll into a
tight ball when disturbed or attacked. Many are parasitic on bee or wasp
larvae, some attack Symphyta larvae, and one attacks Phasmid eggs. Most
occur in woodlands. Perhaps 15 species in the genera Chrysis,
Elampus,
Omalus,
Holopyga, Muesbeckidium, Hedychrum,
Chrysura,
Trichrysis, and
Parnopes
have been collected.
