Dauber Nest

Ross Krouse - UNT Geography Major

Doesn’t look like my mandala location has been mowed in quite some time now and the grasses are taking off, little to no human influence can be found since last week’s visit. I’m starting to enjoy the fact that the lawn crews have left this area alone, it feels as if it brings more life to the area. Maybe we need to start thinking this way in areas that we mow frequently like roadsides, it would be healthier to grow native species in those areas than to just keep them groomed and more “pleasurable to the eye”.

Today a dirt dauber’s nest in one of the post oak’s has caught my eye. The common name for this insect is a “Mud Dauber;” most people are afraid of these little guys because they resemble wasps or other stinging insects. They are meticulous in their practices; I spend some time observing the females as they leave the nest to retrieve dirt and continue to build their geometric nest with ease. It makes me wonder how these bugs know their jobs and just do what they need to do to survive with just instinct. Its mind boggling when you think of how many insects there are and how many jobs are getting done by each of them everyday around the globe.