mud wasp

noun

, Chiefly North Midland and Western U.S.

1. any of several wasps, as the mud dauber, that construct a nest of mud.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mud wasp¹

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25

Example Sentences

Its age was determined by radiocarbon-dating ancient mud wasp nests.

From BBC

Researcher Damien Finch, who pioneered the mud wasp dating technique, said it was rare to find mud wasp nests both on top and underneath a single artwork.

From BBC

A species of mud wasp carefully selects clay of just the right consistency, finds a somewhat sheltered nook under the eaves, and builds its nest, leaving one open door.

From Project Gutenberg