Spider Wasp

Description:

Blue and gray wasp with dark wings. The antennae are gray and slightly curved with dark tips.

Habitat:

Perez's Sea Lavender in the backyard. This species is transcontinental. "Most are found in woods but females are often found around and even in old houses. They apparently use cracks in the foundations as areas to build mud nests. They sometimes find their way inside the houses." - BugGuide

Notes:

"Auplopus lacks a crease on the side of the first tergite that Phanagenia has. They have a bare pygidial area and two groups of very stout bristles on the underside of the head, both are adaptations for being mud daubers. One of the best characters, especially in well lit photographs, are the very long, erect hairs on the propodeum." - BugGuide