At this time of year a common sight is the black flower wasp, Austroscolia sora flying around close to the ground in quite large numbers. The larvae are parasitic on cockchafer or curl grubs, and when the adult wasps emerge from the ground the males are actively seeking females. This was happening where a single female was emerging and the competition was very keen.
Male left, and female right emerging from the ground
Several males competing for the female.
The bee house has been seeing a lot of activity, where in addition to nesting bees, a Brown Potter Wasp, Euodynerus sp. has also been on the job.
Reversing into the cane.
Potter wasp on the right, on the left Masked Bee, Hylaeus nubilosus working on sealing nest, and above the wasp, a sealed bee nest. Click to enlarge.
While watching these two, a third species of native bee to use the bee house was observed there for the first time, a resin bee, family Megachilidae. This species had been photographed two months ago on the Digger’s Speedwell, so it was pleasing to see it nesting.
Click below for larger image.
