Thynnidae: Flower Wasps

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.