mud dauber

Mud daubers are a type of solitary wasp known for constructing nests out of mud. These wasps belong to the family Sphecidae, often referred to as thread-waisted wasps.123

The female mud dauber typically builds several mud cells, often grouped together. She then paralyzes spiders or insects with her sting and places them inside these cells. An egg is laid on the prey, which will serve as food for the developing larva once it hatches. Some species, like those in the tribe Sceliphronini, commonly use spiders, while others may provision their cells with caterpillars or cockroaches. Mud daubers are generally black, sometimes with yellow markings.134