mason wasp
This is a mason wasp emerging as an adult from its cell. Its un-emerged sisters can be seen in other cells. The female nests in a cavity in wood or a crevice in rock. She uses mud to construct cells. When the cell is completed, she lays a single egg in it and fills it with insect prey. When the egg hatches, the larva feeds on the provision of insects in its cell. The adult feeds on nectar.
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Vespidae
Subfamily: Eumeninae
Photograph: © 2013 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 17 May 2013
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co. (45o43'41" N 111o08'11" W)
