Cuckoo Wasps are small insects measuring 6-12 mm long. Like the Cuckoo Bird, they are parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of other wasps and bees. Their most striking feature is their brilliant metallic green-blue colour.

There are over 3000 species world-wide and over 220 species in Canada and the United States. They are sometimes called Gold Wasps or Jewel Wasps.
When disturbed they usually curl up into a ball. They do not sting.