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Mud Dauber Wasp
(John Obermeyer, Purdue University)

Common Name: Mud Dauber Wasp

Order: Hymenoptera

Family: Sphecidae

Pest Status: Mud dauber wasps are considered nuisance pests when they nest close to human activity. They may sting if handled.

Appearance: Mud daubers are long (1/2 to 1-inch), slender wasps with thread-like waists. They vary in color.

Life Cycle: Mud daubers create unique nests of mud that are often plastered to man-made structures. Most capture spiders and carry them to the nest to feed to their developing larvae. The legless larvae reach up to 1-inch long and are cream-colored. They pupate in cocoons within the nest and overwinter. The adults emerge the following summer.

Where to Collect: Adults construct their nests on porches, decks, sheds, eaves, attics, ceilings, and walls and under roof overhangs. Adults are easily netted close to their nests.