The Common Mud Dauber Wasp (Chalybion japonicum) is an insect in the Sphecidae family of blue mud dauber wasps. It is also known as the Japanese Mud Dauber Wasp, Japanese Mud Wasp, and Japanese Dirt Dauber.

The Common Mud Dauber Wasp has a long, blue-black body with a very thin, long, waist, and a large head and abdomen. It is known as a thread-waisted body. Its wings are translucent. Its six legs dangle downward when it flies. Its eyes are large. Its antennae have 12-13 segments. It has a stinger, but stings to humans are rare.

It grows to 2.5 centimetres (one inch) in length. 

It is found in Asia and South-East Asia, and often around human habitats. It is a solitary wasp and does not form a colony or hive. It is mostly seen in spring and summer months.

The Common Mud Dauber Wasp feeds on plant nectar and the fluid from insect bodies.

It nests in natural and artificial holes in wood, walls, pipes, plants, etc. It makes its nest from dry mud and water. Sometimes, it uses the old nests of other wasps. The female wasp makes the nest.

The female lays eggs that hatch into larvae (grubs). When they hatch, there are likey to be twice as many females than males. The grubs pupate in hollow mud cells and emerge as adults.

Location of photographs: Battambang, Cambodia

Photographer: Martina Nicolls 

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM