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Unverified MazzV 10 Sep 2025

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These fine, lithe, predominently black, and rapidly mobile wasps(?) are, (to me), both fascinating, and very challenging to photograph! Photo 1 shows the delicate and distinctive shape of 2 of them, in silhouette, headed to a constructed bee & wasp nesting box of hollow rods. They either make or invade nests of mud. They move so quickly (& are very shy) I have not been able to observe if they bring mud to construct their own. Their shape makes me think of a kangaroo with wings, the upper rear part of the silhouette is possibly the abdomen with what looks like it has 1 or 2 (photo 5) very fine spike(s) emanating from it (?ovipositor???); the lower hanging part I’m assuming are the legs, which also end in white; (photo 3 seems to show the sheen of short wings between the upper and lower dangly bits of the body). Photo 3 also helps in visualizing the 3 or 4 white marks on the body, (refer also photo 2). The white marks are under the ‘chin’, 1 thin band of white on the lowest hanging part of the body which I suspect are its legs and which also end in white; and possibly the butt of the abdomen (not sure of this, ?trick of light in photo 4??); It may also be that the end section of the, (assumedly), ovipositor ends in white (photo 2 may be depicting). As said these fascinating creatures move so fast, photo clarity is enough of a challenge, let alone trying to take in any detail in vitro!! I’d love to know more about them.

1 comment

   11 Sep 2025
?Gasteruptiidae (Family) Gasterupiidae family - parasitic wasps maybe

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Sighting information

  • 3 Abundance
  • MazzV Recorded by
  • 5mm to 12mm Animal size
  • Yes Nest present

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