### Identification The *Agamerion cleptidea* is a shimmering jewel of the Australian bush. This chalcid wasp is relatively small (approx. 3–5mm) but possesses a robust, almost "hunched" thorax and a brilliant metallic sheen that ranges from deep emerald green to burnished bronze. Unlike the closely related *Podagrion* wasps, which sport long, tail-like ovipositors, *A. cleptidea* features a much shorter, more discreet egg-laying apparatus. Look for its thickened hind thighs (femora) and the characteristic "elbowed" antennae common to its family. In the sunlight, it appears like a moving spark of copper against the bark.
### Habitat & Range Endemic to Australia, this species is most frequently encountered in open sclerophyll forests, woodlands, and suburban gardens across the eastern and southern states. It is a master of micro-habitats, specifically patrolling the surfaces of eucalyptus twigs, fence posts, and stone walls—anywhere a praying mantis might deposit its egg case.
### Behaviour Observing a female *A. cleptidea* is a lesson in surgical precision. You will see her performing a "tactile dance" across a mantis ootheca (egg case), drumming her antennae rapidly against the papery surface to locate the exact position of the developing embryos within. Once satisfied, she stands high on her legs and uses her ovipositor to pierce the tough, insulating foam. They are solitary hunters of the stationary, moving with a jerky, caffeinated gait.
### Diet Adults are primarily nectar-feeders, frequenting small white flowers like *Leptospermum* (tea tree). However, their larvae are specialized carnivores. Upon hatching inside a mantis ootheca, the wasp grubs systematically devour the unhatched mantis nymphs, using the protective casing as a private larder.
### Fascinating Fact The name *cleptidea* is a nod to its "thief-like" nature. While many parasitoids are generalists, this wasp is a "parasite of a predator," pulling off the ultimate irony by turning one of nature’s most feared hunters—the praying mantis—into a helpless food source before it even has the chance to hatch.