CICADA KILLER (Sphecius speciosus)
Biology
- Very large wasp which can be up to 1 ½ inches in length.
- Abdomen is black with yellow markings on first 3 abdominal segments.
- The wings have an orange tint.
- Beneficial due to the control of cicadas
- Solitary wasp, but many individuals can use the same general area for nesting purposes.
- Males cannot sting; females will only sting if handled or stepped on.
Distribution/Habits
- Females dig burrows up to 10 inches deep and six inches wide.
- A male Cicada killer guards the entrance to the burrow.
- Adults are seen in late July when cicadas are plentiful.
- The female paralyzes a live cicada by stinging it and she carries it back to her burrow. She lays an egg on the live cicada; upon hatching, the wasp larvae feed on the paralyzed, but still living, cicada.
- Cicada killers are feared by homeowners due to their large size.
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