Nesting behaviour, life history and description of the mature larva of the beetle 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 unusual cocoon studded with beetle elytra, and the final instar larva, are described for the first time.