Short Description
They are commonly known as Mud Dauber Wasp because they build their nests from mud. These wasps are not always similar but look different. The above species of wasps are found in the whole of Australia. They live in different habitats, some live in urban areas, some in woodlands and heath while others live in forests. Mud Dauber Wasp and its family generally feed on flower nectar but sometimes they bring spiders to their larvae which are present in the mud nest. This species of wasps are normally non-aggressive but once attacked, they deliver painful stings.
External Morphology
Usually, black in colour but have pale markings on their body and give an appearance with a blue metallic lustre. They are long, slender and 1mm in length with clear and dark wings. They possess long pedicels ( a structure that connects the thorax to the abdomen). These insects are very beneficial as they reduce the number of pests like spiders. Their common species are Organ pipe mud daubers, Topoxylon clavatum, T. politum, the black and yellow mud dauber, etc.
Life Cycle Of Mud Dauber Wasp
Mud Dauber Wasp undergoes complete metamorphosis and so they pass through all 4 stages during their life cycle: Egg — Larva — Pupa — Adult. The development stage of pupae into adulthood completes during the spring and the adult female forms nests inside the mud which are known as Mud Tubes. The female wasp lays down an egg within the mud tube and seals them with a spider so that when eggs break and a larva is formed, it may feed on the prey(spider) which is left inside it. Within 3 weeks, the larva will develop into a pupa which remains in the silk cocoon until it develops into an adult. This is the whole life cycle of Mud Dauber Wasp.
Habits
- They are not social, that is they do live in colonies.
- Mud Dauber Wasps are typically found in porch ceilings, sheds, garages, protected building walls, under eaves, etc.
- Most of the mud dauber wasps select new sites for building their nests for every new generation.
- After the emergence of wasps, the nests exhibit round holes which become inactive after spring.
- They are beneficial as they collect pollen and transfer it to another plant and thus help in pollination.
- They are considered nuisance pests as they form nests inside your place and try to destroy it.