Utilization of Trap Nests by the Pipe-Organ Mud-Dauber, Trypargilum politum (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)2

Abstract

The confirmed utilization of trap nests by the organ-pipe mud-dauber, Trypargilum politum (Say), is reported. Five trap nesting records for T. politum were obtained in the Okefenokee Swamp in southeast Georgia during the summer of 1978. The structure, characteristics, and prey of these trap nests are summarized and compared to T. politum's typical mud nests. Possible selective advantages afforded to T. politum by trap nest utilization are hypothesized.