Cuckoo Wasp 'Holopyga generosa'

Holopyga generosa also known as H. ovata is a rarely recorded Cuckoo wasp generally only present in the UK on the Channel Islands of Sark and Jersey,

Cuckoo wasps, also called Jewel wasps, Gold wasps, Emerald wasps or Ruby-tailed wasps are a group of over 3,000 described species of parasitic/kleptoparasites

They are usually well sculptured, with brilliantly-coloured metallically iridescent & heavily exoskeletoned bodies. Colours can be a combination of either red, green, blue, purple or gold

However, don't be fooled by these beautiful looking insects, they have a darker side (as we interpret it). Being parasitoid asnd kleptoparasitic the larvae both steals the provisions intended for the host's young and when the provisions have been consumed, feast on the young themselves.

The tough adult exoskeletons protect them from attack by other wasps and yet are flexible enough to roll into a tight ball for added protection.

H. generosa is around 7-9 mm in length. Both sexes are similarly bicoloured with a green or blue head and mesosoma and multidentate tarsal claws (featuring several 'teeth').

The few records that exist suggest a flying season between April and September during which adults visit sparsely vegetated sandy areas & dry meadows feeding off flowers of Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Onagraceae and Rosaceae.

It's thought Astata boops commonly known as the Shieldbug Stalker is the host species for the larvae.