Biodiversity and ecology in the Australian bush
If I’m patient and watch a known burrow entrance, I may get a glimpse of the female returning with prey. Typically they dive into the open burrow beneath the leaf litter before I can get a good look … let alone a shot. This was my lucky day, as she

If I’m patient and watch a known burrow entrance, I may get a glimpse of the female returning with prey. Typically they dive into the open burrow beneath the leaf litter before I can get a good look … let alone a shot. This was my lucky day, as she landed outside before wrestling her large catch below ground.

Evans (1973) recorded Sphodrotes nemoralis in Far North QLD provisioning their nests with immature bugs (Pentatomoidea … stink bugs, etc). And it seems our local species is targeting similar prey.

Within 4 minutes she headed out again, quickly departing the area. Like many ground-nesting crabronids, Sphodrotes are susceptible to a variety of parasites and nest invaders. Avoiding detection is a priority – although a near impossibility.

Within 4 minutes she headed out again, quickly departing the area. Like many ground-nesting crabronids, Sphodrotes are susceptible to a variety of parasites and nest invaders. Avoiding detection is a priority – although a near impossibility.

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If I’m patient and watch a known burrow entrance, I may get a glimpse of the female returning with prey. Typically they dive into the open burrow beneath the leaf litter before I can get a good look … let alone a shot. This was my lucky day, as she
Within 4 minutes she headed out again, quickly departing the area. Like many ground-nesting crabronids, Sphodrotes are susceptible to a variety of parasites and nest invaders. Avoiding detection is a priority – although a near impossibility.