Sammirr

Native bee / wasp ID

https://aussie.zone/post/30285427

Mar 5 at 1:51amWeb
Show threadSammirrMar 5
I should of course mention, this was taken in NSW.
Show threadporcoesphinoMar 5
If you don’t know of it, iNaturalist helps with relatively quick IDs. Upload a photo, an AI will give you options with percentage matches it thinks, and then other people will take a look and ID what they think
Show threadSammirrMar 5
Thank you, I’ll keep that bookmarked 😃
Show threadlettruthoutMar 5
That‘s a brilliant hotel design!
Show threadSammirrMar 5
This one is a Mr Fothergills hotel from bunnings. They’re not bad, have a variety of diameters for different species.
Show threadBillibusMaximusMar 5
I’m no expert, but because of the way the ovipositor curves around the abdomen, I’m guessing something in Leucospidae
Leucospidae - Wikipedia

Show threadAdaMar 5
It could be Leucospis (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucospis) which are parasitic wasps that prey on solitary bees
Leucospis - Wikipedia

Show threadSammirrMar 5
Thank you! Was able to make an id in that family. I believe it is a Leucospis histrio ssp. vespoides. The recent conditions seem to be promoting them, or maybe they’re more plentiful while hunting out bee larvae as hosts.
Show threadAussieiuszkoMar 5
I’ve always been told bee hotels are harmful as they help spread illnesses?
Show threadSammirrMar 5
I’d be interested in a source if you can find one. The only real concern I’ve read is about chemicals in the wood or materials.
Show threadarbilp3Mar 5
Could you cross post this great contribution with Aussie Enviro please?
Show threadTokamakSandwichMar 5
If you need confirmation of species, I suggest contacting some east coast resident experts: Dr Tobias Smith or Dr Tim Heard. I’ve crossed paths with them both a few times at ANBA events and they know their stuff. I can provide contact details for them if Google comes up short.