These wasps are parasites of leafhopper nymphs (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea). They use their modified forelegs to hold the hopper while they paralyse them. Composed of seven Australian subfamilies.
Subfamily Dryininae
Composed of four Australian genera.
Pending ID – Dryinidae
#1. Flatid nymph parasitised by a Dryininae wasp.
Late February 2015
Knocklofty Reserve, Hobart
Identification thanks to Steve & Alison
When a wasp catches a Auchenorrhyncha adult or nymph it holds it with its chelae (modified forelegs). It stings the host until there is a temporary paralysis and then lays its eggs between the sclerites on the abdomen or thorax. The U shaped wasp larvae develops inside a Flatid nymph. When it grows large enough the larval body hangs out beneath the nymph wing buds. The wasp larval body is surrounded by a protective bag (thylacium). The bag is filled with its shed larval exoskeletons. The Flatid nymph lives on, having no further moults, until the adult wasp breaks out of the thylacium. The wasp then consumes the nymph.
#2. Late March 2018
Hobart
#3. Late January 2016
Hobart
#4. Male
Late September 2018
Hobart
References
Griebenow, Z. 2012 Little Bags of Horror: Three Obscure Families of Surreal Aculeates, http://gentlecentipede.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/little-bags-of-horror-three-obscure.html Last Accessed 21/2/2015
CSIRO, 1990. Insects of Australia, Volume 2: A Textbook for Students and Research Workers. 2nd Edition. p 971. Melbourne University Publishing.