Common name: Potter Wasp
Scientific name: Order Hymenoptera, family Eumenidae, many species
Size: Adult--3/4"
Identification: Solitary black wasp with yellow stripes.
Biology and life cycle: Complete metamorphosis. We once watched a potter wasp build its nest it took three days.

Habitat: Around buildings and protected areas where it can find moist clay to build the clay brood pot, nectar to snack on, and caterpillars to seal in with its eggs.

Feeding habits: Adults sip nectar; the larvae feed on paralyzed caterpillars.

Economic importance: Like all wasps, beneficial in helping to control troublesome plant-eating worms.

Natural control: None needed--beneficial.

Organic control: None needed.

Insight: Skilled at working clay into pretty little pots; they don't seem to mind people watching or photographing them at work. These wasps are very similar to mud daubers.