General Description

Dark red, most of abdomen black with a row of four white spots on each side. Wings smoky-brown. Female with long, thin ovipositor projecting from tip of abdomen.

Biology

The wasp larvae are internal parasites of moth caterpillars, including lawn grubs. Females fly low over lawns searching for caterpillars. They probe into grass tussocks with their long ovipositor. Males pollinate the orchid Crypostylis leptochila by trying to mate with the flowers.

Distribution

All Australian states, New Zealand, Fiji, Kermadec Is.

Habitat

Grassland

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