Motley Monday Mud Daubers

One of my Christmas decoration totes stored in the shed wasn't shut completely and a mud dauber wasp (there are two types in Oregon, the black-and-yellow and the blue) had made a few nests, and some solitary cells.  Mud daubers are non-aggressive solitary wasps that are beneficial in the garden.  Since the cells were closed, I knew the larva and stored food (often spiders) were still inside, so I put them in an outdoor area away from rain.  

This one hadn't been used yet.

I have seen both types of mud dauber wasps in my yard.  This is the blue one.  You can't see its wasp waist in the photo.

I'll make sure the lids are on correctly when I refill the totes come January!  The shed is falling apart, so I probably won't put decorations out there again.  I have no garage, just a carport and small shed there, so... well, I'll find a place!