Austrogorytes spryi

A shady forest path, with an ever-changing layer of leaves and small twigs … and a familiar face emerges!

Austrogorytes spryi

My first brief glimpse, but enough to confirm that these medium-sized sand wasps are actively nesting here again this season.

Austrogorytes spryi

My best chance of getting a good look at the nesting females is quite early in the morning. They occasionally perch on low plants alongside the track, preening, perhaps warming up in a patch of sun … and wary of threats in the vicinity of their nearby nests.

Austrogorytes spryi

There are at least two females with nests in close proximity. Returning from a successful hunt, this one perched briefly before diving below ground. Austrogorytes typically prey upon leafhoppers (e.g. Eurymelinae), both nymphs and adults. This appears to be a nymph she is holding below her body, gripped by her middle legs.