Which wasp looks like a monster yellow jacket but is relatively harmless?

The mud dauber wasp resembles a larger, more intimidating yellow jacket but is generally considered harmless. These wasps are known for their slender waists and elongated bodies, which can create an appearance reminiscent of a more aggressive wasp but without the same level of threat. Unlike yellow jackets, mud daubers do not aggressively defend their nests or sting unless provoked. Instead, they focus on hunting spiders, which they use as food for their young. This behavior and their non-aggressive nature contribute to their reputation as relatively harmless compared to other wasp species.