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Mud-dauber wasp

Sceliphron laetum

A species of Mud daubers

Like other members of the family Specidae, the first abdominal segment of Sceliphron laetum has been modified into an elongated, slender petiole. This wasp is 1.7 - 2.5 cm long and is largely black, with bold yellow markings. It has membranous wings which fold over the body when at rest. Its head is clad with yellow hairs which thin out ventrally. It lacks an area of bare yellow skin on the lower part of the face which is present in the otherwise similar Sceliphron formosum. The thorax has one or more yellow patches dorsally between the wings. The hind tip of the thorax, the petiole and the front part of the gaster are yellow, the bulbous central portion of the gaster is black and its apex is yellow. The legs are yellow with some black markings.

Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Mud-dauber wasp sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Mud-dauber wasp
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Attributes of Mud-dauber wasp
Habitat
Sceliphron laetum is native to most of Australia and parts of southeastern Asia including Papua New Guinea.
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowers, honeydew, plant sap
Larva Food Source
Spiders
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Mud-dauber wasp has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Mud-dauber wasp can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Life Cycle of Mud-dauber wasp
Egg The egg phase is marked by a static period where the mud-dauber wasp develops internally. It is tiny, often oval, and typically laid in a protected location.
Larva During the larval stage, the mud-dauber wasp resembles a worm-like feeding machine, growing rapidly in size, and focusing solely on consuming nutrients to fuel its growth.
Pupal In the pupal stage, the mud-dauber wasp is inactive and encased within a cocoon, undergoing extensive internal transformation as its body reforms into the adult structure.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult mud-dauber wasp's development is complete. It is marked by the presence of wings, noticeable coloration, and a hardened exoskeleton, ready for reproduction.
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Predators of Mud-dauber wasp Larvae
Ants, wasps, birds, spiders
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Predators of Adult Mud-dauber wasp
Birds, spiders, bats, praying mantises
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Scientific Classification of Mud-dauber wasp
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Adult Habitat of Mud-dauber wasp
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Deserts and Arid Regions
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Habitat Preferences of Mud-dauber wasp Through Different Life Stages
Adult mud-dauber wasp are typically found hovering around flowers, gardens, or other sunny, open areas with vegetation where they search for nectar and mates. Females can also be spotted in muddy places, gathering mud for nest construction, often on the sides of buildings, under eaves, or in other sheltered locations. The larvae of mud-dauber wasp are found inside these mud nests where females deposit them along with paralyzed spiders as a food source. To locate larvae, one must carefully examine such nests, preferably without destroying them. If you are seeking the eggs, they will most likely be inside new nests or compartments where females have recently provisioned spiders.
Are Mud-dauber wasp harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Mud-dauber wasp
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Toxic to Animals
Icon toxic for
Human Stinging
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Toxic to Animals

Mud-dauber wasp can pose a mild hazard to other animals via its sting, primarily for defense. When humans, dogs, or cats encounter mud-dauber wasp, they may experience discomfort or a mild reaction due to the toxins delivered. However, the severity of the effect varies among different animals, influenced by factors such as size and sensitivity. Typically, the adult stage of mud-dauber wasp is responsible for such defensive actions.

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Does the Mud-dauber wasp sting humans?

Mud-dauber wasp is not known for stinging humans as it is primarily a solitary wasp focused on paralyzing spiders to provide for its larvae. They have the capability to sting but generally reserve this for prey or self-defense, not going out of their way to sting humans.

More Effects of Mud-dauber wasp

Beneficial Effects of Mud-dauber wasp
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Mud-dauber wasp is attracted to flowers primarily by their vivid colors and enticing smells. While adults feed on pollen, they inadvertently collect and transfer pollen grains between flowers, aiding in plant reproduction. This incidental pollination ensures the continuation of various plant species.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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