insect · GBIF taxon 1338940
Cicada Killer Wasp
Sphecius speciosusAlso known as Eastern Cicada Killer, Sand Hornet, Cicada Hawk
Eastern cicada killers are massive, solitary wasps that dig deep nesting burrows in loose, sandy soil during the heat of midsummer. Females hunt annual cicadas from tree branches, paralyzing them with a precise sting before flying or dragging the heavy prey back to their tunnels to feed a single larva. Despite their intimidating size and warning colors, these gentle giants are non-aggressive and rarely sting humans unless actively stepped on or squeezed.
SolitaryBurrowingBeneficial
1 / 7- diet
- Nectar and sap for adults; cicadas for larvae
- family
- Crabronidae
- threats
- Pesticides, habitat loss, and human persecution due to fear
- life Span
- 1 year
NE
Females can sting if stepped on or handled; observe their nesting burrows from a respectful distance.
- Watch the flight paths: Observe females carrying heavy cicadas back to their ground burrows during mid-to-late summer.
- Ignore the males: Do not panic if large wasps buzz close to you; these are stingless males defending territory.
- Protect their burrows: Avoid using pesticides on lawns where they nest, as they are harmless and control cicadas.