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—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Cicadas
Predators
- Birds
- Robber flies
- Spiders
ThreatsPesticides, habitat loss, and human persecution due to fear
HabitatsSandy soils, lawns, gardens, pastures, and forest edges
Life span1 year
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCrabronidae
- SpeciesSphecius speciosus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Females can sting if stepped on or handled; observe their nesting burrows from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
- 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.
Prey Rhododendrites / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Close Relative Distant Relative
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