CICADA KILLER WASPS FULL

CICADA KILLER WASPS FULL

The female wasps prefer to dig new nesting holes in full sun, where well-drained soils exist and vegetation is sparse. The males typically die soon after mating. Adults live approximately 60–75 days and feed on nectar and other plant exudates. Life Cycle and HabitsĪdult wasp emergence generally occurs by the first week in July and may continue throughout the summer months. Their distinct warning colors and loud buzzing make them intimidating to both predators and humans. Their coloration may resemble that of yellowjackets and other wasps or hornets.

Typically, the male wasps are smaller than the females. The head and thorax are dark red, while the wings and legs are brownish. Adults are approximately 1⅛ to 1⅝ inches long, very robust, with a black body marked with yellow to white stripes. The cicada killer is one of the largest wasps in North America. IdentificationĪdult cicada killer male guarding territory. Cicada killers are generally considered beneficial, and control is rarely needed except when wasps are present in unwanted areas. Females may sting when handled roughly, but typically, they are mild-mannered and will fly away when disturbed. Males have especially aggressive territorial behavior, but they are incapable of stinging. However, homeowners may become alarmed because of their exceptionally large size and activity around nesting sites. Cicada killers rarely sting humans unless someone tries to handle one. As indicated by their name, these wasps hunt annual cicadas. There are several other species occurring throughout the United States, including the Pacific, western and Caribbean cicada killers. This species of wasp occurs in the eastern and midwestern states of North America and southward into Central America. Eastern cicada killers ( Specius speciosus) are large, solitary wasps belonging to the family Sphecidae.

Cicada killer wasps