Blue Mud Dauber

Chalybion californicum

Description:

Roughly 25-28 millimeters in body length, colored as shown in deep metallic blue.

Habitat:

Several specimens were gleaning aphid honeydew from the leaves and stems of willow (Salix sp.) in a riparian corridor by an arroyo (dry river bed). Surrounding habitat is degraded shortgrass prairie with yucca, sunflowers, prickly-pear cacti, and scattered elm trees.

Notes:

This species is easily confused with the Steel Blue Cricket Hunter, Chlorion aerarium. Chalybion californicum is generally smaller, more slender, and more hairy than Chlorion. Blue Mud Dauber is also vastly more common.