Here we have a photo of 2 wasp species; each with a
different lifestyle but, looking somewhat similar in
appearance.
At the top we have a Blue Mud Dauber (Chalybion californicum).
The metallic-blue appearance is unmistakable and the species is
quite widespread over much of North America.
It is not normally aggressive towards humans. It is however, most
famously known for its particular predation of black widow spiders.
The adults feed on the nectar of flowers, which powers their flight
and hectic lifestyle !
Females can build their own nests and their larvae are fed spiders.
However, these wasps are also opportunists and they not only refurbish
abandoned nests of the Common Mud Dauber (Sceliphron camentarium); they
are known to "sneak-in" to occupied nests while the owners are out
hunting or gathering mud AND they then proceed to remove both the larvae
and spiders.
After that the female lays an egg in the cleared cell and packs it with
its own "special" spiders.
Another monster of a wasp is the steel-blue "Cricket hunter" (Chlorion aerarium) evident in the photo.
These also "specialist" wasps are indeed intimidating in size and ferocity. Though solitary and usually making
a burrow in the ground provided with crickets as a staple; they are able to pack a punch if angered.
The species itself comes in 2nd (in terms of size) for eastern North American hymenoptera; exceeded only by
the Eastern Cicada Killer (Sphecius speciosus).
These are both very cool species of solitary wasp with different lifestyles, incredible "shimmering" blue color,
and an eye-catching appearance not to be soon forgotten...
*I am sorry my picture somewhat fails to
convey the metallic beauty present (here)
in both species.