For illustrated talks on natural history and history see www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk

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Monday 9 May 2016

Podalonia hirsuta wasp (?)

This wasp corpse was in an enclosed glazed area today in Cuckfield.  On death some wasps' antennae do curl so are not necessarily representative of the living wasp.  It is tiny: above by my index finger.
 The nearest likeness that I can find is Podalonia hirsuta.  If you can confirm that or suggest a better match, I would be grateful.
Podalonia hirsuta is one of 110 or so digger wasps in the UK in which the female digs her own nest and stocks it with paralised prey insects or spiders.  Podalonia hirsuta hunts caterpillars  to stock her nest for her grubs to feed on.  Isn't the insect world just amazing?
Reference: Collins complete guide to British Insects by Michael Chinery ISBN: 978-0-00-729899-0

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