A revision of the Australian digger wasps in the genus sphex (Hymenoptera, sphecidae)

Abstract

The Australian species of the sphecid wasp genus Sphex are revised. Thirty-five species are recognized, of which 11 are new: Sphex argentatissimus, S. brevipetiolus, S. caelebs, S. corporosus, S. flammeus, S. fortunatus, S. gracilis, S. imporcatus, S. jucundus, S. latilobus and S. pretiosus. A dichotomous key covering all Australian species of the genus has been generated. The geographic distribution of all species is discussed based on all available locality records in relation to the Australian climate zones.