Auplopus caerulescens
(Dahlbom, 1843)
Blue Mud-dauber Spider Wasp
Auplopus caerulescens is a small -hunting in the , tribe Auplopini. Females construct distinctive barrel-shaped mud , typically 15 mm long and 7-10 mm wide, often placed inside pre-existing cavities such as hollows in wood, rock crevices, or abandoned nests of other wasps. The is known for its bright metallic -green coloration, with females bearing a diagnostic pygidial plate used to manipulate mud during nest construction. It is widely distributed across North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Auplopus caerulescens: //ˈɔː.plə.pəs saɪˌruːˈlɛs.ɛnz//
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Identification
Small metallic -green with diagnostic pygidial plate on female . Distinguished from other Auplopus by subtle morphological features; males require examination for definitive identification. Nests are characteristic barrel-shaped mud , often found in clusters within cavities.
Appearance
Small averaging approximately 10 mm in length. Females exhibit bright metallic -green coloration. A diagnostic feature is the oval pygidial plate located dorsally on the near the tip, which functions as a masonry trowel for nest construction. Males are distinguished by differences and lack the prominent pygidial plate. The body is compact with typical proportions.
Habitat
Utilizes pre-existing cavities in wood, rock crevices, under bark on standing trees, and sheltered . Frequently colonizes abandoned nests of other including Sceliphron caementarium, Trypoxylon politum, and Polistes . Also documented nesting in concrete cellar foundations.
Distribution
Widespread across North America. Documented in upstate New York and across the continent. The nominate Auplopus caerulescens caerulescens occurs in the Palearctic region as well.
Seasonality
Active from May through October, with peak abundance July through September.
Diet
(). Documented includes multiple : Thomisidae (crab spiders), Salticidae (), Clubionidae (), Corinnidae (ground sac spiders), Anyphaenidae (ghost spiders), Miturgidae (longlegged sac spiders), Gnaphosidae (ground spiders), and Pisauridae (nursery web spiders). feed on .
Life Cycle
Female constructs mud , provisions it with paralyzed (often amputating legs to facilitate transport and feeding), lays single attached to spider , and seals cell with mud cap. feeds on paralyzed spiders, molts to within . Emerging regurgitates liquid to soften mud cap before chewing exit hole. Development period varies; some individuals may overwinter as pupae.
Behavior
Solitary nesting with females working alone. Demonstrates selectivity in capture at level; some individuals show consistent prey preferences. Prey transport involves dragging amputated over ground. Mud manipulation accomplished by curling beneath body to apply pygidial plate to mud pellets. frequently found around colonies feeding on .
Ecological Role
of , particularly non-web-building . Functions as provisioning , with consuming paralyzed . Potential for nest (specific parasitoid associations not well documented).
Human Relevance
Non-aggressive; solitary rarely even when disturbed. Nests occasionally considered unsightly when attached to human structures, but pose no threat. Occasionally enters buildings through existing cavities.
Similar Taxa
- Auplopus carbonarius Palearctic ; external similar, requires examination for definitive identification
- Eumenes spp. (potter wasps)Construct mud nests but produce distinctive urn-shaped pots with fluted necks, not barrel-shaped ;
- Trypoxylon politumConstructs linear mud tube nests with multiple , not discrete barrel-shaped cells; male-female cooperative nesting differs from solitary Auplopus
- Sceliphron caementariumBuilds larger multi-cellular mud nests covered in additional mud layers; black and coloration, not metallic -green
- Osmia spp. (mason bees)Some construct similar mud ; not , with different provisioning (pollen/nectar vs. )