Like most Crabronids, Cerceris are solitary wasps. Intriguingly, however, a few species display behaviours reminiscent of social insects. Our local species, Cerceris antipodes, is one such. I delve into the research literature to learn more about their nesting habits.

Yet again the mud nest of a Pison wasps yields up a surprise. Melittobia australica (Eulophidae) displays simple forms of social insect traits, including sib-mating and cooperative behaviours.

An unfamiliar sand wasp leads me to investigate Crabronidae … and develop tools I can apply to related puzzles in the future.

One small patch of sandy ground, so many ground-nesting insects! Seven species of crabronid, three bees, velvet ants … and more.

We discover a tiny, sand-nesting wasp and record unique photos and observations of a rarely seen crabronid … Rhopalum coriolum.

With a large mud nest in hand, I investigate the mystery of the mismatched cocoons within. And along the way I learn much about the development and behaviour of cuckoo wasps.

Cuckoo wasp development illustrates the dynamic structure of the insect cuticle – beautifully

While sitting in just one patch of forest for several hours in the course of one week … more than 20 wasp species from 12 different families. Including Trigonalidae, a tiny and bizarre family, rarely seen.

A detailed look at the nesting behaviour and identification of two more Crabronidae, Sphodrotes and Austrogorytes – with a Bembix and Cerceris thrown in, for good measure.

Podagritus is a genus in the family Crabronidae. It’s a wasp I’ve never seen before and their nesting behaviour has been fascinating me for weeks.

Flower wasps, Thynninae, are an important part of the forest ecosystem – it was time for me to learn more about them.

Rearing caterpillars to discover which moth species they belong to can bring surprises!