Cleptes

Cleptes is a genus of cuckoo wasps belonging to the family Chrysididae. These wasps are known for their kleptoparasitic behavior, meaning they lay their eggs in the nests of other wasps or bees, and the larvae of Cleptes consume the host's larvae and food provisions.

Characteristics:

• Cleptes wasps are typically small to medium-sized, often exhibiting a metallic blue or green coloration.
• They possess a heavily armored exoskeleton, a characteristic common among chrysidid wasps.
• Females have a specialized ovipositor adapted for inserting eggs into host nests.

Biology and Behavior:

• Cleptes wasps target the nests of various solitary wasps and bees, particularly those that provision their nests with paralyzed prey or pollen and nectar.
• The female Cleptes wasp seeks out a suitable host nest and deposits her egg inside.
• Upon hatching, the Cleptes larva consumes the host's larva and any stored provisions within the nest cell.
• Cleptes larvae undergo several instars before pupating and eventually emerging as adult wasps.

Distribution:

• Cleptes wasps have a widespread distribution, occurring in various regions around the world. The specific distribution depends on the species within the genus.

Taxonomy:

• Cleptes is a well-established genus within the Chrysididae family. The classification and relationships of species within the genus are subject to ongoing research and revision.