Chalybion bengalense
[Blue Mud Dauber Wasp]
If you are interested to use any of the image(s), please read the conditions carefully.
photo
P6040066 (22)
photo
P6040070 (22)
photo
DSC03141 (12)
photo
DSC03144 (12)
photo
DSC05298 (14)

Classification: | Kingdom: Animalia | Phylum: Arthropoda | Class: Insecta | Order: Hymenoptera | Family: Sphecidae | Genus: Chalybion |

In December 2014, a group of wasps started to use my home as their resting place for the night. The group settled in around 6 to 7 pm on the inflorescence of a sedge (Fimbristylis dichotoma) that grew from a pot at my balcony and check out in the early part of the morning.

In the book titled "Sphecid wasps of the World, a generic revision" published in 1976 (page 102), it noted that Chalybion species commonly forms "sleeping" aggregations. This particular "sleeping" aggregation had around 2 to 5 members.

photo
DSC03827 (14)
photo
DSC03791 (14)
photo
DSC05379 (15)

It looks very similar to Chalybion japonicum. While those above were found in my home, the one below was seen in the forest.

photo
DSC00947 (15)
photo
DSC00953 (15)