Cicada Killer Wasp
ExploreInsects
Cicada Killer Wasp
Sphecius speciosus
Cicada Killer Wasps are large wasps that hunt cicadas. They are impressive and can be found in summer!
Habitat: Open fields and gardens
Appearance
The Cicada Killer Wasp is a large, robust insect, typically black with bright yellow bands across its abdomen. It has distinctive reddish-brown, translucent wings and a hairy, yellowish head. Its substantial size and vivid markings help distinguish it from smaller, more common wasps.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyCrabronidaeGenusSphecius
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A female can fly carrying a paralyzed cicada heavier than herself!
Each baby wasp wakes up to a fresh, ready-to-eat cicada meal underground!
Males don't have a stinger at all, they're completely harmless to humans!
They can dig a burrow up to 2 feet deep in just an hour!
Special abilities
Ability
Cicada Paralysis
Cicada Killer Wasps can inject venom that paralyzes cicadas, helping them secure large prey for their offspring.
Ability
Super Digger
Cicada Killer Wasps have strong legs and mandibles for digging deep underground burrows, creating safe nurseries.
Ability
Heavy Lifter
Cicada Killer Wasps can fly while carrying a paralyzed cicada, often much heavier than their own body.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 40-70 mm
- Size
- 20-50 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-60 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
These big wasps hunt and eat cicadas, feeding them to their babies underground.
Age differences: Larvae feed exclusively on paralyzed cicadas; adults consume nectar and tree sap for energy.
Primary Foods
- Cicadas
- Nectar
- Tree sap
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
hunts
Common Cicada
Neotibicen pruinosus
Main food source for larvae
eaten by
American Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Adult wasps are prey
eaten by
Virginia Opossum
Didelphis virginiana
Can raid nests for larvae
depends on
Wild Carrot
Daucus carota
Adults sip nectar for energy
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Venomous
Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting.
Also known as
Cicada Hawk
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cicada Killer Wasp's wingspan?
40-70 mm
How big is Cicada Killer Wasp?
20-50 mm
How long does Cicada Killer Wasp live?
30-60 days
What does Cicada Killer Wasp eat?
These big wasps hunt and eat cicadas, feeding them to their babies underground.
Where is Cicada Killer Wasp usually found?
Open fields and gardens
How does Cicada Killer Wasp hunt?
Pursuit
How many legs does Cicada Killer Wasp have?
6
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