Insect · GBIF taxon 7540488
Western Cicada Killer
Sphecius grandisAlso known as Western Cicada Killer Wasp
Western cicada killers are among the largest solitary wasps in North America, recognizable by their reddish-orange heads and bold yellow abdominal bands. Females hunt cicadas high in the tree canopy, paralyzing them with a precise sting before flying or dragging the heavy prey back to underground burrows. Males aggressively patrol nest sites to ward off rivals, though they lack stingers and pose no threat to humans.
Solitary WaspPredatoryBurrower
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Annual Cicadas
- Nectar
- Tree Sap
Predators
- Birds
- Robber Flies
- Skunks
ThreatsPesticide usage, lawn compaction, human persecution
HabitatsArid shrublands, sandy soil, gardens, riparian corridors
Life span1–2 months (adult state)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCrabronidae
- SpeciesSphecius grandis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Females can sting if handled or stepped on; give nesting burrows space and observe peacefully.
- Why it is dangerous
- Females deliver a venomous sting meant for paralyzing prey, which can cause painful swelling or allergic reactions in humans.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for impressive body size up to five centimeters with reddish legs, orange-tinted wings, and yellow abdominal patches.
- What to do
- Avoid barefoot walking over nesting lawns and give females carrying cicadas a clear path to their burrows.
Responsible observation
- Territorial Displays: Expect stingless males to fly close, but remain calm as they cannot sting.
- Nesting Etiquette: Watch female nest builders from a short distance to avoid stepping on burrows.
Co-occurring Hunter (c) Seth Wollney, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Judy Gallagher · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Bob Nieman, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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