This is the nest of Lasioglossum (Homalictus) dotatum, a species (that’s actually part of a species-complex, at least based on DNA barcoding!) that occurs across most of Australia. Research by my PhD student Freya Jackson has revealed they are social, and females will guard the nest entrance whilst others forage to protect the nest being parasitised by parasitoid Labium wasps. Unfortunately it looks like the guards were off duty in this nest! This nesting aggregation is at my favourite native fl

“Parasite: an organism living in, on, or with another organism in order to obtain nutrients, grow, or multiply often in a state that directly or indirectly harms the host” (Merriam Webster definition) Preborn babies are NOT parasites. They are the same species as their mother, and furthermore, pregnancy is mutually beneficial for both mom and baby! #parasite #prebornbaby #pregnancy | Created Equal