Black Mud-dauber Wasps

Sceliphron

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Sphecidae
Subfamily: Sceliphrinae
Tribe: Sceliphrini
Genus: Sceliphron

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sceliphron: //ˌsɛlɪˈfroʊn//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Sceliphron (Prosceliphron) deforme femorale by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Sceliphron luzonensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Sceliphron (Sceliphron) deforme taiwanum by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Sceliphron, commonly known as black mud-dauber wasps, are a genus of solitary wasps known for their mud nest building. They are non-aggressive and play an ecological role by preying on spiders to provision their larvae.

Physical Characteristics

Solitary mud dauber wasps that build nests of mud in shaded niches. Females can exhibit yellow and black coloration. Collected nests may have unique structures depending on the species.

Identification Tips

Look for mud nests in sheltered locations like windows or vents; females gather mud to construct cells where they lay eggs and provision with spiders.

Habitat

Commonly found in urban and rural environments, particularly in sheltered, shaded areas where they can construct their mud nests.

Distribution

Widespread in many regions of the world, with notable presence in North America, parts of Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean. Some species have been introduced in Europe.

Diet

Primary diet consists of spiders, including crab spiders, orb-weavers, and jumping spiders, that are used to provision their mud nests for the larval stage.

Life Cycle

Life cycle involves nesting behavior where females construct mud cells, provision them with prey, and lay eggs; larvae develop inside the cells using the spiders as a food source.

Reproduction

Females lay one egg per mud cell, provisioning each with multiple prey items. On average, a female can lay about 15 eggs during her lifespan.

Predators

Nests are susceptible to predation from several species of cuckoo wasps that will invade the nests while the mud dauber is out foraging.

Ecosystem Role

They play a role in controlling spider populations, which can impact local pest control dynamics.

Cultural Significance

Often regarded as beneficial insects due to their role in controlling spider populations, though their action may have mixed environmental effects due to the role of spiders.

Health Concerns

Generally not aggressive unless threatened, and do not pose significant health risks; however, local reactions to stings could occur if they do sting.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some species may be confused with more aggressive wasps, but Sceliphron are primarily solitary and non-aggressive unless disturbed.