Sceliphron caementarium (Black and yellow) Chalybion califernicum (Blue)
Physical Features
(Black and yellow) Dull black with parts of the body being bright yellow with long, thin waist, dark wings, and 1/2 to 1/8 inch long.
(Blue) Dark metallic blue to black wasp with long, thin waist, 1/2 to 1 inch long, with bluish wings.
Life Cycle
Complete metamorphosis
Females collect mud with their mandibles. They then use mud to form cylindrically shaped nests on walls or sides of equipment or use a previously constructed nest. They collect food and lay an egg on the prey within each cell and seal the cell with mud. The female then leaves the nest at the end of spring. When the new adult wasp emerges from the cell the cycle begins again.
Habits
- Diet: Insects and spiders
- Activity: More active during the day
- Preferred Climate: Temperate climates
- Defense: Sting their prey and paralyze them.
- Cautions: Not considered a threat. Rarely aggressive, but will sting if handled.
- Home Invasion: Mud daubers will make nests on structure walls, ceilings, eaves, porches, decks and especially near water sources mud can be collected for their nest construction.
Helpful Hints
- Keep area around the home dry to reduce mud for nest construction.
- Nests should be removed.
- Recommend regular pest control service plan.
Interesting Facts
Mud daubers are considered beneficial since they kill spiders and pose none or little harm to humans.
Symptoms
Rarely aggressive and stings are very uncommon.
Nesting Sites
They build tube-like nests that are attached to crevices, cracks, and corners. Also occupy barns, porches or other nest sites.
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