Ampulex compressa

(Fabricius, 1781)

Vernacular names
English : Emerald cockroach wasp
French : Guêpe émeraude

Classification
Class : Insecta
Order : Hymenoptera
Family : Ampulicidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adult females can grow to 22 mm in length, males are smaller and lack a stinger. Large antennae. Body is entirely metallic blue-green. Thighs of last two pairs of legs are bright red, thighs of first pair of legs are metallic emerald-green.

Range and habitat
The species is found in tropical regions of Africa, South and South-East Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Introduced unsuccessfully to Hawaii. Found in open areas, mostly in dry habitats, including near human settlements.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species hasn’t been assessed. It has a huge range and has spread recently to South America where it is very successfully established now.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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