Mud Dauber

Introduction

This group of wasps gets its common name from the fact that they construct their nests of mud. They typically are nuisance pests. Mud daubers are found throughout the United States.

Recognition

Adults are mostly about 1/2-1 inch long, slender. Color usually black, may have pale markings or a metallic luster. Thorax with pronotum collarlike. Wings clear or dark; front wing with one or three submarginal cells. Abdomen either very slender or petiolate.

Habits

Mud daubers typically select a sheltered site to build their mud tubes. Favorite sites include under eaves, porches, ceilings, in garages and sheds left open, in barns, protected building walls, in attics, etc.

Nests typically exhibit round holes in them as the wasps emerge. This means the nest probably is old and inactive after springtime.