Asian Mud-dauber Wasp

Sceliphron curvatum

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sceliphron curvatum: /scɛˈlɪfrɒn ˈkɜːrvətəm/

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Summary

Sceliphron curvatum, commonly known as the Asian mud-dauber wasp, is a solitary species that builds mud nests and preys on spiders for its larvae. It is native to parts of Asia and has been introduced to Europe and North America.

Physical Characteristics

Sceliphron curvatum is 15 to 25 millimeters (0.6 to 1.0 in) long and is coloured black with yellow and red ornaments.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from similar species by its distinct coloration and nesting habits, particularly the construction of mud nests.

Habitat

Sceliphron curvatum builds nests out of mud on the walls of buildings, often indoors on piles of books, clothes, or pieces of furniture.

Distribution

Originally native to Asia (India, Nepal, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan) and introduced to Europe in 1979, it has spread across several European countries and has recently been recorded in North America.

Diet

The larvae of Sceliphron curvatum feed on paralyzed spiders, which are stored in nests.

Ecosystem Role

As a solitary wasp that preys on spiders, it may play a role in controlling spider populations, although it is not considered invasive in North America.

Misconceptions

Despite being introduced in several regions, Sceliphron curvatum is not aggressive unless threatened, challenging the stereotype of wasps being aggressive creatures.