Biodiversity and ecology in the Australian bush
Megalyra lilliputiana From northern NSW, alongside tropical rainforest

Megalyra lilliputiana

From northern NSW, alongside tropical rainforest

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

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 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 lilliputiana A ventral view of that unique little face.

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 i

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.

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Megalyra lilliputiana From northern NSW, alongside tropical rainforest
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 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 i