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Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp

Sphecius speciosus

The Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp is a big, friendly-looking wasp that helps control cicada populations. They are not aggressive and are often seen buzzing around in gardens and fields.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp is a large, robust insect with a black body marked by bright yellow bands on its abdomen. It has distinctive rusty-orange wings and a prominent head, making it visually striking compared to other wasps.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyCrabronidaeGenusSphecius
Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp
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Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

A single Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp can catch and carry multiple large cicadas!

Each female digs her own personal underground nursery for her developing young!

Some females can choose if their eggs will hatch into male or female wasps!

These giant wasps rarely sting humans unless seriously provoked!

Special abilities

Ability

Paralyzing Sting

Eastern Cicada-killer Wasps can deliver a paralyzing sting because of venom that helps them subdue large cicadas for their young.

Ability

Expert Excavator

Eastern Cicada-killer Wasps can dig intricate underground burrows because of strong legs and mandibles that help them create nurseries for their larvae.

Ability

Nursery Stocker

Eastern Cicada-killer Wasps can stock their underground nurseries because of their hunting prowess that helps them provide abundant food for their developing larvae.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
30-55 mm
Size
15-50 mm
Lifespan
15-45 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adult wasps feed on nectar, while their larvae feast exclusively on paralyzed cicadas.

Age differences: Adult wasps primarily consume nectar and tree sap, while larvae exclusively feed on cicadas paralyzed by the female.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Large cicadas (e.g., Neotibicen species)
  • Sap from trees

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Dog-day Cicada

Neotibicen pruinosus

Paralyzed as food for larvae.

pollinates

Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Adults visit flowers for nectar.

eats

Striped Skunk

Mephitis mephitis

Digs up burrows to consume larvae.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Even though they are friendly, it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp's wingspan?

30-55 mm

How big is Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp?

15-50 mm

How long does Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp live?

15-45 days

What does Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp eat?

Adult wasps feed on nectar, while their larvae feast exclusively on paralyzed cicadas.

Where is Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp usually found?

Urban areas

How does Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp hunt?

Pursuit

How many legs does Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp have?

6

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