Thynnidae: Flower Wasps

categories: Pollinators Thynnidae Wasps

last review date: 2026-04-26 08:50

Biology

Flower wasps are a large family of solitary wasps whose larvae parasitize underground dwelling beetle larvae like scarabs. Most species are small and inconspicuous, but some may be up to an inch in length.

These wasps are frequently found on flowers feeding on nectar and despite their smooth-bodied appearance are able to transport pollen. The natural history of flower wasps is not well known, although some Australian species are known to play an important role as pollinators of terrestrial orchids.

These orchids deceive flower wasps into pseudo-mating with them. These sexually deceptive orchids engage in chemical and physical mimicry of a female wasp with pollination achieved as the male attempts pre-mating or copulatory behavior with the flower.

Attracting and Keeping Natural Enemies and Pollinators in Your Yard and Garden

• Avoid regular use of synthetic, broad-spectrum pesticides.
• Infrequent use of certain narrow-spectrum pesticides is more compatible with some beneficials but generally the less chemical inputs there are, the greater and more diverse the beneficial insect community will be.
• Extensive lawns are also not conducive to attracting and retaining a diversity of beneficial insects, mites and spiders. Minimize lawn areas and maximize shrub and bush plantings.
• Many beneficials reside naturally in riparian and other ‘natural’ areas near to many back yards. Natural dispersion from these refuges ensures that some beneficials will visit back yards but they will not stay unless food, host and shelter resources are available.
• Native plants have closer affinities with native insects and therefore provide most of these resources. A garden with a good diversity of local native flora in and around back yards, will improve the abundance and diversity of local, beneficial arthropods.
• Native flora also provides natural overwintering sites for many beneficial insects and it is useful to leave at least a small area of native vegetation undisturbed during fall and winter.
• Some kinds of beneficial insects (e.g. lady beetles, lacewings, predatory mites) are available for purchase from commercial suppliers. However, benefits from introducing these beneficials are usually limited and short-lived. Upon release, commercially obtained lady beetles and lacewings often disperse and may rapidly leave your backyard despite the presence of prey and suitable nectar resources. Generally, it is more effective and sustainable to create a garden habitat that will be colonized by beneficials naturally.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended