Insect · GBIF taxon 5041466
Black-and-Yellow Mud Dauber
Sceliphron caementariumAlso known as Yellow-Legged Mud-Dauber Wasp, Black-Waisted Mud-Dauber Wasp, Mud Wasp, Dirt Dauber
These solitary wasps are easily recognized by their extremely long, thread-like waist and striking black-and-yellow coloration. Females construct tube-like mud nests on sheltered rock faces, bridges, and human structures, plastering them with wet clay collected from puddles. They provision each nest cell with dozens of paralyzed spiders to feed their developing larvae.
Solitary WaspSpider HunterNest Builder
Licensed reference(c) dhasdf, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Orb-weaver Spiders
- Crab Spiders
- Jumping Spiders
Predators
- Birds
- Parasitoid Wasps
- Spiders
ThreatsPesticide use, habitat loss, and human destruction of nests
HabitatsUrban areas, open woodlands, meadows, and riverbanks near mud sources
Life spanApproximately 1 year
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySphecidae
- SpeciesSceliphron caementarium
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Females can sting if handled or squeezed; observe their nest-building from a safe distance.
Responsible observation
- Watch mud gathering: Look for females vibrating their wings at puddle edges to loosen wet clay.
- Inspect old nests: Check abandoned mud tubes for small holes indicating emerged adult wasps.
- Maintain distance: Avoid touching active builders to prevent defensive stings.
Nest Competitor (c) Nathan Odgers, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Frequent Companion no rights reserved · cc0
Close Relative (c) Michael K. Oliver, Ph.D., some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael K. Oliver, Ph.D. · cc-by
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