Blue Mud Dauber vs Robin's Pincushion Gall Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blue Mud Dauber Robin's Pincushion Gall Wasp
Scientific Name Chalybion californicum Diplolepis rosae
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Sphecidae Cynipidae
Size 10-23 mm 2.5–4 mm
Habitat Gardens Heathland
Diet Predators Gall Makers
Regions North America Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Blue Mud Dauber

A metallic blue wasp that preys on black widow spiders. It reuses mud nests built by other dauber species rather than constructing its own.

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Did You Know?

It specifically targets black widow spiders to provision its nest.

Robin's Pincushion Gall Wasp

A gall wasp that forms spectacular mossy red-green growths on wild roses. Each gall may contain up to 60 larval chambers.

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Did You Know?

In medieval times, its galls were placed under pillows as a supposed cure for insomnia.