Digger Wasp - Sphex cognatus

FAMILY SPHECIDAE

This page contains pictures and information about Digger Wasps that we found in the Brisbane area, Queensland, Australia.


Body length 25mm

This wasp is black in colour with golden hairs on face and thorax. It has the long narrow thread-like waist. Female burrow in ground and prey on crickets and grasshoppers for their young.



Female builds nest on the sandy soil. The first picture shows the wasp was entering her nest on the shore of Bulimba Creek.

Male size is often less than 1/3 times of female.



Pictures are taken on early simmer.








We also found this wasp in Karawatha Forest during late summer. It was hopping and searching on the forest floor. Its wings, thorax and head was in golden colour with a black body. Its legs were strong and was running fast.




Reference and Link:
1. Insects of Australia and New Zealand - Tillyard, R.J. 1926. Angus & Robertson, Sydney. Page 300.