Common Blue Mud-Dauber Wasp
ExploreInsects
Common Blue Mud-Dauber Wasp
chalybion californicum
The Common Blue Mud-Dauber Wasp is a shiny blue insect known for its amazing building skills. These wasps create mud nests that are perfect for their babies to grow up in!
Habitat: They are usually found in gardens, fields, and near water sources where they can find mud.
Appearance
The Common Blue Mud-Dauber Wasp is a slender insect, showcasing a striking metallic iridescent blue or blue-black body. It has a very thin, distinct waist connecting its abdomen and thorax, and its wings are typically dark and slightly smoky. Its shimmering appearance sets it apart from duller, blacker mud daubers.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilySphecidaeGenusChalybion
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Female wasps don't kill spiders for their young; they paralyze them to keep them fresh!
Its stunning metallic blue color comes from light reflecting off tiny structures, not pigment.
They rarely sting humans, preferring to save their venom for paralyzing spider prey.
This wasp often reuses abandoned mud nests from other dauber species, saving building time!
Special abilities
Ability
Mud Masonry
Common Blue Mud-Dauber Wasps can construct robust, thimble-shaped nests from mud because it helps them protect their offspring.
Ability
Spider Sting
Common Blue Mud-Dauber Wasps can paralyze spiders with a targeted sting that provides fresh food for their young.
Ability
Cocoon Weaving
Common Blue Mud-Dauber Wasps have larvae that spin tough silk cocoons that help them safely transform into adults.
Ability
Iridescent Shine
Common Blue Mud-Dauber Wasps have a metallic blue shimmer that helps them both attract mates and deter predators.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 20-35 mm
- Size
- 10-18 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-90 days
- Flight Speed
- 20 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults drink nectar; larvae feast on paralyzed spiders provided by their mother.
Age differences: Adults consume nectar, while larvae develop by eating spiders provisioned by the female wasp.
Primary Foods
- Spiders (for larvae)
- Nectar (for adults)
- Honeydew (for adults)
- Orb-weaver spiders
- Jumping spiders
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
hunts
European Garden Spider
Araneus diadematus
Paralyzes and provisions for its young.
hunts
Bold Jumper
Phidippus audax
A common spider prey for its developing larvae.
pollinates
Canada Goldenrod
Solidago canadensis
Adults visit flowers for nectar, aiding pollination.
eaten by
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Western Kingbird
Tyrannus verticalis
A bird known to prey on adult wasps.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Blue Mud WaspCalifornia Mud WaspMud Dauber
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not disturb their nests as they can be startled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Common Blue Mud-Dauber Wasp's wingspan?
20-35 mm
How big is Common Blue Mud-Dauber Wasp?
10-18 mm
How long does Common Blue Mud-Dauber Wasp live?
30-90 days
How fast can Common Blue Mud-Dauber Wasp fly?
20 km/h
What does Common Blue Mud-Dauber Wasp eat?
Adults drink nectar; larvae feast on paralyzed spiders provided by their mother.
Where is Common Blue Mud-Dauber Wasp usually found?
They are usually found in gardens, fields, and near water sources where they can find mud.
How does Common Blue Mud-Dauber Wasp hunt?
Pursuit
How many legs does Common Blue Mud-Dauber Wasp have?
6
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