Sighting 3387169
Isodontia sp. (genus)
2 Unidentified Grass-carrying wasp at Googong, NSW
Identify this sighting
| Isodontia sp. (genus) | KimPullen | 16 Dec 2017 | |
| Isodontia sp. (genus) | MichaelBedingfield | 15 Dec 2017 | |
| Sphex sp. (genus) | KimPullen | 13 Dec 2017 | |
| Unverified | Wandiyali | 13 Dec 2017 |
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User's notes
These wasps were collecting grass flower/seed heads (Bothriochloa macra) to fill holes in an old burnt tree trunk.
Box Gum Grassy Woodland
9 comments
14 Dec 2017
These are interesting images. The only explanation I can think of to explain why a wasp would stuff a hole in a tree trunk with grass, is that it has a nest there and the grass is a barrier to intruders.
14 Dec 2017
thanks Kim, they have also been identified as Isodontia sp (Grass-carrying Wasps) by Dr Manu Saunders from New England Uni, with a similar comment that the grass is possibly a deterrent to predators.
Carolyn
Carolyn
15 Dec 2017
There is a reference for Isodontia sp. (genus) at:
https://bugguide.net/node/view/5691
https://bugguide.net/node/view/5691
15 Dec 2017
I have drilled holes in wood blocks for artificial bee/wasp nesting. Many are occupied by sphecids that stuff dry grass stems in the hole entrances, presumably to deter cuckoo wasps that are always inspecting the hole entrances. Also have photos. Good to have a name. Roger
15 Dec 2017
and thanks Michael, good reference (it seems there is not much known about the Australian species).
15 Dec 2017
6 Species of Isodontia are listed in CSIRO Insects of Australia Vol II, as is the habit of stuffing the nest hole with grass stems. Isn't nature remarkeable. Roger.
Location information
- Coordinates 149.209474-35.411534
- Maps Wandiyali-Environa Conservation Area
- Places Googong, NSW
Sighting information
- 4 - 15 Abundance
- 12 Dec 2017 04:07 PM Recorded on
- Wandiyali Recorded by
Collections
- Wandiyali Canberra & Southern Tablelands NatureMapr Isodontia sp. (genus) Sand or digger wasps (Crabronidae & Sphecidae) Wasps (Hymenoptera, Apocrita) Insects
Species information
- Isodontia sp. (genus) Scientific name
- Unidentified Grass-carrying wasp Common name
- Not Sensitive
- Local native
- Non-invasive or negligible
- Up to 811m Recorded at altitude
- External link More information