About Priocnemis monachus Smith, 1855
Adults of the spider wasp Priocnemis monachus Smith, 1855 have a metallic bluish-black colouration, and their entire body is covered in black hairs. Males are generally smaller than females, though body size varies even among individuals of the same sex. Females can reach a maximum length of 26mm, while males can grow up to 19mm long. This species is endemic to New Zealand, where it is widespread across the country. It lives in habitats where its prey is abundant. Most often, these wasps build nests in exposed banks within forests, but they may also nest in sand and in gardens.
