mud wasp

noun

Chiefly North Midland and Western U.S.

1. any of several wasps, as the mud dauber, that construct a nest of mud.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mud wasp¹

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25

Example Sentences

Its age was determined by radiocarbon-dating ancient mud wasp nests.

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Researcher Damien Finch, who pioneered the mud wasp dating technique, said it was rare to find mud wasp nests both on top and underneath a single artwork.

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A species of mud wasp carefully selects clay of just the right consistency, finds a somewhat sheltered nook under the eaves, and builds its nest, leaving one open door.

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