About Sceliphron spirifex (Linnaeus, 1758)
Sceliphron spirifex is a species of sphecid wasp first described by Linnaeus in 1758. Adults of this species have medium-sized bodies ranging from 17 to 27 millimeters, or 0.7 to 1.1 inches, in length. Their body is a dull black color, with a long, yellow petiole, or waist. Their legs are black with yellow bands, their antennae are solid black, and their wings are clear. Female Sceliphron spirifex build large multi-celled mud nests, which they attach to natural surfaces such as cliffs, rocks, and tree trunks, as well as human-built structures such as bridges and buildings. Each nest cell is mass-provisioned with several spiders before it is sealed closed with mud. This wasp species occupies a wide range of diverse habitats across Africa and Southern Europe, and it has a strong association with buildings and other man-made structures.
