# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 15 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Cicada_Killer_Wasp.jpg&width=800) Photo: Chuck Holliday, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cicada_Killer_Wasp.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hymenoptera - **Family:** Crabronidae - **Genus:** Sphecius ## 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 - **Paralyzing Sting:** Eastern Cicada-killer Wasps can deliver a paralyzing sting because of venom that helps them subdue large cicadas for their young. - **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. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/canada-goldenrod) (*Solidago canadensis*) — Adults visit flowers for nectar. - **Eats:** Striped Skunk (*Mephitis mephitis*) — Digs up burrows to consume larvae. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Giant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/giant): Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Even though they are friendly, it's best to watch them from a distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp? Compare the antennae, wings, waist, body hair and legs. Yellow and black stripes show up on bees, wasps and harmless mimics alike. Bee & Wasp Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Bainbridge Commercial Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bainbridge-commercial-historic-district) — Georgia, US · Historic District - [Durso Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/durso-park) — Illinois, US · Park - [Fox Chase Farm](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fox-chase-farm) — Pennsylvania, US · Historic Site - [Gensburg-Markham Prairie](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/gensburg-markham-prairie) — Illinois, US · Nature Reserve - [Loop Retail Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/loop-retail-historic-district) — Illinois, US · Historic District - [Michigan–Wacker Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/michigan-wacker-historic-district) — Illinois, US · Historic District [View all places to see Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/eastern-cicada-killer-wasp) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Eastern Cicada-killer Wasp: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cicada-killer-wasp)