sand wasps are still breeding
Austrogorytes (?). The females stock their underground nests with paralysed leafhoppers. She closes the burrow entrance when she’s off hunting, so has to dig it open each time she returns with a bug.
a species I got to know well last year
Sphodrotes. This male is displaying the behaviour typical of the species: perched atop a low plant; antennae waving; turning this way and that; attentive to all comers – females, rivals and threats. Female Sphodrotes stock their underground nests with paralysed shield bugs.
[to read more, see my 2020 blog “More wasp diggings” – link]
for future study
Clitemnestra, another sand wasp (Bembicinae), this one a male on alert for females or rival males. Little is known about the biology of these wasps but they probably also hunt leafhoppers. I plan to take a closer look at this species some time soon.