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Exeirus lateritius
The only member of the genus Exeirus, a solitary, large orange and black banded wasp, living underground and leaving its burrow to hunt and feed on cicadas of many varieties large and small. This wasp (about 2 inches or 5cm long) dragging a paralysed large cicada (at least 3 times its own weight and twice as long) to its burrow which we tracked for many metres into thick bushland - it had dragged it across lawns, leaf litter and long grasses with several stops to adjust its grip. The cicada was held upside down so there was less drag from it and paralysed legs didn't catch. As most insects and spiders seem to curl legs in to the belly this carrying position seems to make a lot of sense.
Found throughout Australia in most environments, this one in garden surrounded by dry bushland with masses of recently hatched cicadas from ground level to high in tree canopy.
Spotted on Dec 29, 2013
Submitted on Dec 29, 2013
4 Comments
Thanks StephenS. It was a surprise find. My friend called me saying she later located several holes in the bush, some already filled in, and followed it back again as it carried smaller cargo.
That is a wonderful find!
Thanks Maria. It was difficult to keep up with the wasp - she was on a mission. I wanted to get a front on view but was aware also not to force the wasp to abandon its cargo. The cicada was so large at first glance from a distance it looked like a mouse. The wasp certainly has power beyond its size, unbelievable.
Excellent action series showing the insect's hunting method.