Flowering Leptospermums, in common with other members of the Myrtaceae, are very attractive to insects seeking pollen and nectar. We have several native varieties including Leptospermum Rhiannon, a hybrid between L. rotundifolium and L. spectabile, it is spectacular in flower and extremely popular with a range of insects. Wasps of several species have been visiting, firstly, hairy flower wasps.
Sand wasps have made an appearance and are alternating between supping nectar and searching for burrow sites.
Wasps in the family Gasteruptiidae are solitary bee parasites, and due to their slimness and constant movement can be extremely hard to photograph. The beckoning flowers made the job a little easier with male and female partaking of nectar.
An drone fly had been pursued several times without photographic success, but the beautiful flowers proved its undoing.
Dozens of fly species are attracted to the flowers, some of which are quite colourful.
Beetles too get in on the act, like this mating pair of lycid beetles.
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