Mud dauber: Difference between revisions

'''Mud dauber''' (or "mud wasp") is a name commonly applied to a number of [[wasp]]s from either the family [[Sphecidae]] or [[Crabronidae]] that build their nests from mud. Mud daubers belong to different families and are variable in appearance. Most resemble long, slender wasps about {{Convert|1| in|mm|sing=on}} in length.<ref name="Lorus Milne Field Guide">{{cite book |last=Milne |first=Lorus |last2=Milne |first2=Margery |title=Field Guide to Insects & Spiders |date=August 2003 |origyear=Originally Published October 1st 1980 |publisher=Alfred A Knopf, Inc |location=New York |isbn=0-394-50763-0 |pages=844–845}}</ref> The name refers to the nests that are made by the female wasps, which consist of mud molded into place by the wasp's [[Mandible (insect mouthpart)|mandible]]s. Mud daubers are not normally aggressive, but can become belligerent when threatened. Stings are uncommon.