Pseudomalus auratus

Pseudomalus auratus is a species of cuckoo wasp.

Description

Pseudomalus auratus can reach a length of. Head and thorax of these little wasps are metallic bluish, while the abdomen is reddish. Head and thorax are hairy.

Biology

These wasps fly from late May to early October. They mainly parasitize hymenoptera in the Apidae family, Colletidae family, Megachilidae family and in the Crabronidae family. Larvae mainly can be found in blackberry and raspberry branches and dead wood.

Distribution and habitat

This species is present in most of Europe. These wasps inhabit open areas, forest edges and thickets where its nesting hosts can be found.
It was accidentally introduced in the United States, probably before 1828.