A fully illustrated, step-wise comparison of our local Sphodrotes species with the description of S. punctuosa by Lomholdt (1983). These two specimens (#2512C & #2512D) are destined for DNA barcoding, justifying a careful examination of species identification.

These fast-moving wasps were observed by Lachlan Copeland in northern NSW during April, 2026. In May, with wasp activity dwindling, Lachlan succeeded in catching one for me to take a closer look.

Although bees are not my main focus, I have taken the opportunity to take a closer look at some of those turning up in the Malaise traps this year (as part of our participation in the International Barcode of Life project).

The Malaise trap survey we began 4 months ago is uncovering the diversity of our smallest wasps … including Rhopalum. They vary in colour, size, and most notably, in the shape of the gaster.

With a small specimen in hand, I take a close look at the key features of this genus. It is a very close match with N. australiensis … but equally, it may be one of several undescribed, all black species of Australian Nitela.
(specimen #2603A)

A single, small specimen illustrates many of the features of this genus.

Comparing three colourful Bembix species from the Atrifrons species group: Bembix olba; Bembix wilcannia, and Bembix aureofasciata.

Identification to species level, based on Leclercq’s detailed description of the female and comparison with images of the holotype. At the time of Leclercq’s major revision (1997), only that holotype was known in collection. We can now add several more females … plus the missing males!

A close look at our local species of Podagritus, identified as P. leptospermi, with detailed images of both sexes. Plus a short sequence of ‘live action’, featuring a female with prey struggling to find her nest burrow.

Key features for distinguishing between the 22 described Australian species of Arpactophilus.

The key features distinguishing Podagritus from Rhopalum, and a guide to distinguishing between Podagritus species of eastern Australia.

A rather old specimen, collection details unknown … but my first chance to take a close look at this species.