mud dauber

American  

noun

1. any of several wasps of the family Sphecidae that build a nest of mud cells and provision it with spiders or insects.

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mud dauber British  

noun

1. any of various wasps of the family Sphecidae, that construct cells of mud or clay in which they lay their eggs and store live insects as food for the developing larvae See also digger wasp

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Etymology

Origin of mud dauber

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

On the front lines against invasive pests, Mr. Spichiger, who said he is “older than some,” has chalked up stings from several types of honeybees, mud daubers, bald-faced hornets and yellow jackets.

From Washington Times

What’s more, data from the electrodes showed a spike in brain activity with each buzz, revealing that spiders actually hear sounds, from a swooping mud dauber wasp to you crunching potato chips on your couch.

From Science Magazine

That rustling, the creaking of his collar on his overstarched shirt band, and the buzzing of the mud daubers round the windows were the only sounds.

From Project Gutenberg