Nesting behaviour, life history and description of the mature larva of thebeetle predator, Podagritus parrotti Leclercq (Hymenoptera : Sphecidae : Crabroninae)

Podagritus parrotti nests have 1-15 cells and, in the North Island at least , are provisioned entirely with Adoxia vulgaris (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) . Rate of nest provisioning is recorded. Nest structure, the egg, the unusu al cocoon studded with beetle elytra, and the final instar larva, are descr ibed for the first time.