Males are easily distinguised from females. They have a narrower face and smaller body, overall. The higher number of segments in the antennae (13) and gaster (7) are also definitive.
2 April, 2023
Cerceris antipodes

A brief rest between low, patrolling flights around the nesting area.
2 April, 2023
Cerceris antipodes

The brush of golden hairs on the clypeus (green arrows) is another distinctive feature of males. Indeed, it is an identifying feature of most male Philanthinae – including Cerceris – and is seen in very few other wasps. Some species use the brush in scent marking their territories, but Cerceris antipodes does not appear to mark or defend a territory. They simply maintain a vigil in the nesting area, on the lookout for emerging young females.
2 April, 2023
Cerceris antipodes

A young female, probably yet to mate, and sure to overwinter. The silvery hairs on her face and the pointed mandibles are evidence of her youth … as is the date, and the fact that she was attracting a lot of male attention (see next photo)!
21 April, 2023
Cerceris antipodes

For at least 15 minutes he hung about, waiting for a chance to mate with the young female. She would occasionally poke her head out (see previous photo) but mostly she remained tucked away inside, with just her antennae showing (green arrow).
21 April, 2023
Cerceris antipodes