Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Sphex caementaria (original publication), Pelopeus caementarius, Sceliphron caementaria
Explanation of Names
Caementarius is Latin for "mason, builder of walls"
Identification
Black body with variable amount of yellow markings. Pedicel (waist) about twice as long as the rest of the abdomen.
Range
Throughout North America.
Habitat
Adults nectar at flowers and mud nests are built in sheltered locations such as garages and underneath bridges. More naturally, I see them on rock ledges. Also seen in muddy areas collecting material for their nests.
Nests may comprise up to 25 cylindrical cells, which are usually oriented vertically. Typically 6 to 15 prey spiders are placed in each cell, though up to 40 have been recorded. The female may provide the cells with a temporary closure consisting of a thin mud curtain to keep out parasites while she is collecting prey. Once the final prey is placed in the cell, she lays an egg on one of the last prey and seals the cell with a thick mud plug. She may then add more mud to cover the entire cluster of cells.
Season
May-October (North Carolina)
Food
Mud nests are provisioned with spiders which the larvae consume. Adults nectar at flowers. Adults visit Hummingbird feeders.
Remarks
The columnar mud nests of these wasps are a familiar sight to most people. I enjoyed watching the wasps construct them as a kid.
Print References
Most of the information here taken from Arnett
(1).
Additional information adapted from O'Neill, pp.173-175
(2).
Milne and Milne (Audubon Guide to Insects), photo #466, p.844
(3)
Simon & Schuster's Guide to Insects, #292
(4)
Salsbury, p. 282--photo
(5)
Swan and Papp, p. 564, fig. 1224
(6)
Internet References
Cedar Creek
info and
image.
Lots more on the web if you
search for it.
