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Project Noah Nature School
Cryptocheilus bicolor
The orange coloured sepcimen in the centre of the photo is a spider wasp about 30 mm long. A striking wasp with orange wings, head and legs. The thorax was black as was the abdomen but the abdomen had broad bands of yellow. The antennae were also yellow and slightly curved. Eyes were a reddish brown.
Spotted amongst Saw-sedge (Gahnia sp)
This is the second time that I spotted this amazing large orange wasp. It was very active, searching amongst grass and the occasional tree for spiders. It was too fast for me to get a better shot. Anyway, I know where he/she hangs out and hopefully will get better photos next time. This spotting is to document the location, time of the spotting. This species predates on spiders like Huntsman & Wolf spider. Family: Pompilidae
Spotted on Mar 25, 2014
Submitted on Mar 26, 2014
3 Comments
Good question. This is the one at my place in the outdoor laundry. Different species to yours I think. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/169...
I find things like these wasps very difficult to photograph as well. That shot I have was after about four previous years where she always got away before I could get a camera
Stephen, I was so cross with myself for not getting a better shot of this large wasp. It settled close to me but I was so taken-up by it that I could not get my camera in focus fast enough. Must get it next time.
Must check your collection - did you have your camera with you at the time?
Wonderful! The last place I lived, once a year, the big orange wasp would fly up to me by the outdoor laundry and starting at the knees she made sure there were no spiders in my clothes by slowly climbing back and forth in the air to face height just a hand-span away. These things project power.