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Sphecidae

Sphecidae

9.9
A family of solitary wasps like mud daubers that build nests
  • noun
  • /ˈsfidʒɪˌdeɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Sphecidae
  • Several species within the Sphecidae family prey on spiders to feed their larvae.

Examples

  • Sphecidae are commonly known as mud daubers due to their habit of building mud nests.

  • Entomologists study Sphecidae to understand their solitary behaviors and ecological role.

  • The Sphecidae family includes many species of wasps.

  • Did you know that Sphecidae are also called mud daubers?

  • The Sphecidae family includes various wasps that construct nests out of mud.

  • Farmers often notice Sphecidae wasps diligently building their solitary nests in the garden.

  • The Sphecidae are fascinating insects because of their unique nesting behaviors.

Synonyms

digger wasp
vsSphecidae
9.5

A wasp that lives alone, digs a nest in soil and brings stung insects for its young to eat

is a broader group that includes such soil-nesting solitary wasps
mud dauber
vsSphecidae
8.1

A wasp that makes a nest from mud and keeps spiders to feed its young

is a broader group that includes such mud-nesting solitary wasps

Surface Forms

Sphecidae singular
Sphecidae plural

Etymology

The word Sphecidae comes from the Greek word sphex, which means 'wasp', and the scientific ending -idae, which means 'family'. So Sphecidae simply means the 'wasp family', a name that fits groups like mud daubers and digger wasps that build solitary nests.