Mud Dauber Wasp vs Large-legged Chalcid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mud Dauber Wasp | Large-legged Chalcid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sceliphron caementarium | Chalcis myrifex |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Sphecidae | Chalcididae |
| Size | 24-28 mm | 4-7 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | North America, introduced to Europe and other continents | North America |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Not Evaluated |
Mud Dauber Wasp
A slender black and yellow solitary wasp that builds tubular mud nests on walls and structures. It stocks each cell with paralyzed spiders as food for its developing larvae.
Did You Know?
A single mud nest cell can contain up to 25 paralyzed spiders stacked inside.
Large-legged Chalcid
A parasitoid wasp with conspicuously thickened hind femora used to brace itself while ovipositing. It attacks the pupae of tachinid flies and various Lepidoptera.
Did You Know?
Despite looking like it could jump powerfully, those thick hind legs are mainly used for gripping, not leaping.