Blue Mud Dauber

Found in gardens, near human structures, and open fields, often nesting in pre-existing cavities or abandoned mud nests of other wasps.

Adults feed on plant nectar; larvae are carnivorous and are fed paralyzed spiders, particularly black widows, by the mother.

Solitary wasps that do not build their own mud nests but repurpose those of black-and-yellow mud daubers; they carry water to soften the mud to reshape and seal cells.

Benefits the ecosystem by controlling spider populations, especially black widows; very low risk to humans as they are non-aggressive and rarely sting unless pinned or handled.