Megalyra lilliputiana

From northern NSW, alongside tropical rainforest

Megalyra

On an old, burnt fence post about a metre above ground. Walking quickly over the surface, seemingly attracted to the cracks and crevices.

Megalyra lilliputiana

This is a small wasp (her head-body length less than 3mm)… but with an oversized ovipositor! Although not all female Megalyra species are so well-endowed, it is a trademark of the genus.

Megalyra lilliputiana

Another feature of this rather odd genus is the rather odd head shape. Large eyes. Rounded face. Antennae long and very low set. Mouth small and difficult to see, tucked away beneath the head.

Megalyra

I might have overlooked the tiny, black-bodied wasp … but the long, hair-like ovipositor was catching the sun as she moved about.

Megalyra

She peers into a borer hole in the old fence post … and an equally small face peers out!

Megalyra

Who has already taken up residence in the hole? I’m tempted to think it’s a crabronid … perhaps Arpactophilus (Pemphredoninae), based simply on the widely spaced eyes and general colouration. But it would simply be a guess. I have only this single photo to document the parasite’s apparent interest in the wood dweller.

Megalyra lilliputiana

A ventral view of that unique little face.

Megalyra lilliputiana

As is my standard practice, I recorded the logic behind my species identification on a notes page … a ‘behind-the-scenes’ section of our website.
https://southernforestlife.net/notes/2024/megalyra-lilliputiana
The page includes annotated images plus a summary of the 22 described species in this genus, based on my reading of Shaw’s 1990 work.