Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp
ExploreInsects
Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp
Sceliphron caementarium
The Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp is a small, shiny insect that builds mud nests. These wasps are helpful because they catch spiders to feed their babies, making them great little helpers in nature!
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp has a slender, black body with a distinctive long, narrow waist (petiole) connecting its thorax and abdomen. Its legs are bright yellow, contrasting sharply with its dark body, and its wings have a smoky, iridescent blue tint.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilySphecidaeGenusSceliphron
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Each female mud-dauber wasp is a solo builder, creating her own unique mud nursery!
Mud-dauber babies wake up to a pantry full of fresh, paralyzed spider snacks!
Their super-thin 'waist' helps them zip and zoom with incredible agility!
They use water like a super-glue to mix mud into strong, weather-proof homes!
Special abilities
Ability
Architectural Builder
Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasps can construct sturdy nests from mud and water, providing a safe nursery for their young.
Ability
Stunning Immobilizer
Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasps can paralyze spiders with a precise sting, keeping them fresh for their larvae to eat.
Ability
Spider Seeker
Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasps have keen senses that help them locate and hunt various types of spiders.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-40 mm
- Size
- 18-28 mm
- Lifespan
- 20-40 days
- Flight Speed
- 18 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
- Colony Size
- 1
Diet & Feeding
Adult wasps drink nectar, but their young feast on paralyzed spiders stored in mud nests!
Age differences: Adults drink nectar, while larvae consume paralyzed spiders.
Primary Foods
- orb weaver spiders
- jumping spiders
- crab spiders
- flower nectar
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
hunts
Black and Yellow Garden Spider
Argiope aurantia
Main prey for larvae
hunts
European Garden Spider
Araneus diadematus
Another common spider prey
parasitizes
Ruby-tailed Wasp
Chrysis ignita
Lays eggs in mud-dauber nests
eaten by
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Eastern Kingbird
Tyrannus tyrannus
Adult wasps can be prey
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Web Builder
This trait characterizes organisms that construct elaborate silken webs for catching prey, shelter, or reproduction.
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.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Watch them from a distance; they are usually not dangerous but can sting if threatened.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp's wingspan?
25-40 mm
How big is Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp?
18-28 mm
How long does Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp live?
20-40 days
How fast can Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp fly?
18 km/h
What does Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp eat?
Adult wasps drink nectar, but their young feast on paralyzed spiders stored in mud nests!
Where is Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp usually found?
Urban areas
How does Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp hunt?
Pursuit
How many legs does Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp have?
6
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