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Chalybion californicum (Saussure, 1867)
Blue Mud Dauber
Family: Sphecidae
Introduction to the Hymenoptera of British Columbia

Photograph

© Diane Williamson     (Photo ID #18534)

Map

E-Fauna BC Static Map

Distribution of Chalybion californicum in British Columbia in British Columbia

Introduction


The Blue Mud Dauber wasp is a solitary wasp. This species nests in sheltered locations such as under the eaves of buildings and usually appropriates old mud nests of Sceliphron caementarium (Black and Yellow Mud-dauber), a black and yellow relative. Wasps carry water to renovate mud nests of Sceliphron, rather than carry mud and make new nests. The blue mud-dauber is distributed transcontinentally, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Like the Common Mud-dauber, the Blue Mud-dauber provisions its nest with spiders that it has paralyzed by stinging. The wasp larvae feed on the spiders [often black widows].

Note Author: Rob Cannings, Curator of Entomology, Royal British Columbia Museum

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)		COSEWIC
UnlistedUnlistedUnlistedUnlisted



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