Kerri-Lee Harris

Unido: 14.dic.2018 Última actividad: 27.mar.2024 iNaturalist Australia Patrocinador mensual desde octubre 2023

My partner (Paul Whitington) and I live in a patch of dry sclerophyll forest in south-eastern Australia. By observing and recording animal and plant species and their interactions we are building our knowledge of the local ecology. Invertebrates are a particular passion, but every native species is fair game for our cameras and curiosity.

In addition to sharing species sightings on iNats, we record stories and information on our home website: www.southernforestlife.net

Current iNat activities: I have recently decided to get serious about the identification of Australian Crabronidae. This was prompted by my ongoing study of the nesting behaviour of our local species. I'm starting with Bembicinae, and the tribe Bembicini.

First (Jan-Feb 2023): Austrogorytes.
There are few references and virtually no identified, online images for this endemic Australian genus. Fortunately, the 31 recognised species are reviewed and described in:
Bohart, R.M. 1984. A revision of the genus Austrogorytes Bohart (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae). Australian Journal of Zoology 32: 391-412 https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO9840391
I am drawing on this review, along with Bohart & Menke's 1976 'Sphecid wasps of the world' treatise (plus original descriptions, when needed).
For an overview of progress and outcomes: https://southernforestlife.net/happenings/2023/sandwasp-puzzles1

Second: Bembix
This is perhaps rather ambitious, but I have recently received a copy of the seminal work on this genus in Australia:
Evans, H.E. & Matthews, R.W. 1973. Systematics and nesting behavior of Australian Bembix sand wasps (Hymenoptera, Sphecidae). Memoirs of the American Entomological Institute 20: iv, 1-387
... and I plan to put it to good use!

Ver todas