Podagritus leptospermi
Rhopalum sp.
Podagritus leptospermi
Rhopalum sp.
Rhopalum coriolum
Podagritus leptospermi
The ‘typical’ angular prepectus of the genus – consisting of two nearly perpendicular planes – is exemplified in this large species of Podagritus.
Podagritus leptospermi
In this species, Leclercq notes the thickening that delimits the two faces of the prepectus. From this angle it is quite apparent.
Podagritus leptospermi
Compare this to the previous image. The two planes of the prepectus are visible in both, but from this angle the absence of a strong epicnemial carina is more apparent. The thickened edge in the position of the postspiracular carina is clear, but the omaulus is not.
Podagritus kiatae
Note the two flat planes of the prepectus, with the upper section in the same plane as the region of the mesopleuron posterior (to the right) of the episternal sulcus.
Note too the absence of a ridge at the junction of the planes. That is, there is no sign of an epicnemial carina. This is the condition in the vast majority of Australian Podagritus species.
photographer: Kristy Hoath; Museums Victoria https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/specimens/1013432
Rhopalum neboissi (holotype)
There can be no question that this is Rhopalum, as it is the holotype of a species described by Leclercq (1957). Yet in this image the prepectus looks angular … simply due to the light reflecting of the front surface.
photographer: Kristy Hoath; Museums Victoria https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/specimens/1013430
Rhopalum sp.
In this direct lateral view I’m tempted to think the prepectus flat, with a distinct anterior edge.
Rhopalum sp.
This is the same specimen as in the previous image, but now viewed anteroventrally. The rounded shape of the prepectus is more evident.
Rhopalum sp.
When viewed slightly ventrally, the rounded shape of the prepectus is apparent.
pronotal collar dorsally large
In this species the dorsal surface of the pronotum is particularly long (distance from anterior to posterior edge) and flat.
Note too that in this species there are obtuse, anterolateral ‘teeth’ and a median longitudinal groove. These characters become relevant when discriminating between species of Podagritus.
Podagritus leptospermi
pronotal collar flat
The shape of the collar (flat or rounded) is best viewed laterally. This species also illustrates the alignment of the upper surfaces of collar and mesoscutum. They form a smooth, continuous arch.
Podagritus leptospermi
Podagritus leptospermi
The size and spacing of the small depressions (‘punctures’ or ‘punctations, depending upon the author) often differs between species. So too does the overall shape of the plate, including the apex.
Podagritus leptospermi
The shape of the pygidial plate also differs between males and females. In this image the male genitalia can be seen protruding beyond the pygidium. This is quite common after death.
Rhopalum sp
The presence of a pygidial plate is evidenced by the strong lateral carinae, in this species uniting apically into a fine, curved point.
Rhopalum sp.
In small species such as this one (body size less than 6mm), the details of the pygidium are easier to see when viewed from the side. The surface is shiny, without the extensive punctations common in Podagritus.
Note too the stinger, extended upon death.
Rhopalum sp.
No sign of a flattened or edged region on the terminal tergum – i.e. no pygidial plate.
I presume the pair of large, lateral structures are part of the male genitalia. The parameres / gonostyle I guess..
[The small ovoid object I suspect is a parasite of some type]
Gaster: strongly clavate.
Femur 3: strongly depressed ventral surface; broadly yellow.
Pronotal lobe: dark.
Leg 1: femur apical half yellow; tibia yellow
Leg 3: tibia entirely black; tarsi yellow
Femur 3: strongly depressed ventral surface; broadly yellow.
Pronotal lobe: dark.
Leg 3: tibia entirely black.
Gaster: strongly clavate; widest in middle of T4.
Femur 3: strongly depressed ventral surface; broadly yellow.
Key step 1: Metanotum flat or slightly convex. Scutellum not prominent at the posterior angles.
Key step 5: Enclosure rough, irregularly sculpted, visibly limited posteriorly by a groove.
Key step 5: Propodeal enclosure: dull, rough-coriaceous, bisected by a well-defined longitudinal groove, and separated from the posterior part by an apical groove.
Propodeum beyond enclosure: strong transverse ridges in the apical part of the middle segment.
Body length: 13mm
Body length: 11mm
Paralysed Anabarynchus (DIPTERA: Therevidae).
When I collected the female Podagritus leptospermi #2511I on 13th November 2025, she was returning to her burrow holding this fly. At 9mm in length, it’s quite a load … but I have seen these wasps flying with even larger Anabarynchus, up to 13mm!
