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Trypoxylon collinum in a non wood nest… #938440

Asked July 07, 2026, 7:00 PM EDT

Hello. Observed a Trypoxylon wasp, likely T. collinum due to the red band on the second abdominal segment and matching the expected size for the species. The weird part was that it was NOT nesting in a cavity, but in a hard packed sand mud-dauber type cavity. Just wondering if the wasp used a different wasp’s nest (and which species that would be) or if this was a one off where they were more ambitious lol.

Olmsted County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing. 
It is common for T. collinium to take over nest opportunities, including mud dauber nests. 
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/how-to-manage-a-successful-bee-hotel/meet-the-residents?utm_source=ExtensionBot
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County, (I am a volunteer human being: not a bot, not AI). I'm an avid gardener but not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I will do much better if you also send a photograph. I like follow-up questions.  The University' garden soil tests are excellent.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional  A Directory of ISA certified arborists is at https://certificates.directory.isa-arbor.com/  The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum  Ask a Master Gardener is a public service of the University of MInnesota's Extension Division.  Please donate if we make you happy.  https://give.umn.edu/gardener Replied July 07, 2026, 7:08 PM EDT

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