Insects and Spiders - native

Spider wasp (family Pompilidae) on Nov 24, 2024

Submitter has sample

Description of specimen

Mud nest, approx 1"H x 1"W x 0.5"D
Something inside, several cocoons encased in mud and what looks like masses of spider or centipede legs. Dead and dry, does not appear to have hatched or broken the mud nest.

Commentary

It's a spider wasp nest (family Pompilidae). The mother wasp has paralyzed spiders for her grubs to feed on inside the mud shelter. The grubs have matured and formed the cocoons. If they were outside, they'd hatch in the spring as adult wasps.

Tom Valente
Nov. 25, 2024, 4:18 a.m.

Location

Bedroom curtain

Expert Reviewer

Tom Valente
Oregon Department of Agriculture

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