Black Mud Dauber

Open areas near muddy soil, often found around human structures like eaves, bridges, and barns.

Adults feed on plant nectar; females hunt spiders (especially orb-weavers) to paralyze and provision their nests for larvae.

Solitary wasps that do not form colonies. Females build tubular mud nests, stock them with paralyzed spiders, lay a single egg, and seal the cell. They are non-aggressive unless handled.

Benefit: Provide natural pest control by hunting spiders. Risk: Rarely sting humans unless provoked; the sting is painful but generally not dangerous unless the person is allergic.