xanthops

Xanthops is a genus of small, yellow to yellowish-brown cuckoo wasps in the family Chrysididae. These insects are typically found in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. They are characterized by their metallic coloration, with the body often displaying vibrant shades of yellow, gold, or bronze. Like other cuckoo wasps, xanthops are parasitoids, meaning they lay their eggs in the nests of other insects, primarily solitary bees and wasps. The larval xanthops then consume the host's eggs or larvae.

The genus xanthops is distinguished by specific morphological features, including the structure of their mandibles and the arrangement of their abdominal segments. Their coloration serves as aposematic signaling, warning potential predators of their unpalatability. The life cycle of xanthops is closely tied to that of their hosts, with emergence times often synchronized. Despite their parasitic nature, they play a role in regulating host populations. Research into xanthops often focuses on their host specificity, geographic distribution, and evolutionary relationships within the Chrysididae family.