An observation of adult parasitic wasps (Diapriidae sp.) visiting Melichrus urceolatus (Ericaceae) flowers in an endangered woodland remnant

Melichrus urceolatus R.Br. (family Ericaceae) (Urn heath) is a small shrub endemic to eastern Australia found in open grassy woodlands and heath from southern Queensland to central Victoria. Very little is known of its ecology, particularly in relation to its pollination and reproductive strategies. Most Melichrus species are thought to be animal-pollinated, but some floral traits of Melichrus urceolatus suggest wind pollination. Here, I describe an observation of parasitic wasps (Diapriidae sp.) found inside Melichrus urceolatus flowers in a Box-Gum Grassy Woodland remnant in Albury, New South Wales and discuss the ecological significance of the observation.