Cicada Killer with Cicada
(12/29/2007) wasp?
We saw this with a nest in the ground and eating this other insect. This was taken at a nearby park in Shelby Twp., Michigan. Can you tell me what it is? Thanks,
Kelley



Hi Kelley,
This is a Cicada Killer wasp and a paralyzed Cicada. Most of our letters with images of Cicada Killers arrive in July and August, and we are guessing that this photo was not taken recently in Michigan, but probably during the summer. Cicada Killer wasps feed on pollen and nectar, but larval wasps feed on Cicadas. This female Cicada Killer has paralyzed a Cicada with her sting and is dragging it back to her burrow where she will bury it and lay an egg. The developing wasp larva will then feed on the paralyzed Cicada. Being that the Cicada is paralyzed and still alive, it does not harden and dry out so the larval wasp has living fresh meat.

Cicada Killer Drowned
(10/27/2007) Cicada Killer Wasp?
I found this brightly colored insect (Cicada Killer?) washed up on the beach in North Carolina this summer. I saw it from a distance and went over in hopes that I'd discovered a strange and beautiful shell (imagine my surprise, lol!). Anyway, great website! I'm surprised by how often I inadvertently end up here looking at bugs. Thanks for all your help!
Merritt Henson



Hi Merritt,
Your photo of a drowned Cicada Killer is quite stunning. It really shows off the stinger nicely and those awesome orange legs.

Cicada Killer and Prey
(09/20/2007) Cicada and Unknown
I saw a cidada (I think) fall out of a tree in my backyard (St. Louis, MO, USA) and down came an iteresting insect that grabbed the cidcada and started climbing up the tree.  Thought I would share.
Kyle Marsden



Hi Kyle,
This is a female Cicada Killer wasp. She will climb the tree and glide to her burrow with the stung and paralyzed Cicada. She will lay an egg and bury the Cicada which will remail alive and be a food source for the hatchling larval wasp. Our Cicada Killer reports are occurring much later in the season this year than usually.

Cicada Killer feeding on oozing sap
(09/18/2007) A Question About a Wasp
Hi,
I am enclosing a photo of a very LARGE Wasp.  It seems to be depositing eggs in the splits in the bark of a maple.  The material being deposited by the wasp seems to be white "fluffy" and soft looking. The wasp is the largest one I've ever seen, probably over an inch or more in length with a very heavy body. Can you help me and identify it? Thanks
Walt Jankowski
Hilton Head SC



Hi Walt,
This is a Cicada Killer and it is not laying eggs. We believe it is feeding on the oozing sap running from the tree. Female Cicada Killers hunt and paralyze Cicadas. They then bury them and lay a single egg. The larval wasp then feeds on the paralyzed, still living Cicada, which is a fresh food supply. A dead Cicada would be dry and inedible for the wasp.

Cicada Killer with Dog Day Harvestfly
(09/04/2007)
After going to your website after my first experience with the Cicada Killer( at the time, I had no idea what it was), I thought I would share a pic with you. Thanks for having your website and solving my "mystery". Many thanks,
Mike and Kathy
Oxford Florida



Hi Mike and Kathy,
We just recently removed the Cicada Killer from our homepage since identification requests, which peaked in July, had dwindled. Looks like your robust female Cicada Killer has nabbed a Dog Day Harvestfly for her brood's meal.

Cicada Killer with Prey
(07/27/2007) my photogenic friend
Isn't he cute! 
Josh Paxton
Paducah, KY
PS I also included a picture of what I now know to be a Cicada Killer with his prey.  I hope that's okay.



Hi Josh,
Your Cicada Killer with its Cicada is a wonderful image and we are thrilled to post it.

Cicada Killer Orgy
(07/17/2007) mating Cicada Killers
here is a pic for your bug love page... several male cicada killers trying to get lucky.
Vince



Hi Vince,
Goodness, gracious, however does she manage to choose. Looks like Cicada Killers have rought and tumble sex.

Cicada Killer Breeding Program
(07/14/2007) cicada killers
here are some identification pics you can add on your site of male cicada killers.I keep them to study thier behaviour and to mate them to ensure a healthy local population of these wonderful wasps
Andrew a davis



Hi Andrew,
Thank you for your wonderful submission. Thankfully you did not include your location, as we fear you might get hate mail from the countless individuals that want to rid the planet of Cicada Killers and many other beneficial species as well. We are curious though, how you breed the Cicada Killers in captivity. Do you release the females after mating? or do you actually raise the young in captivity.

i live in [Location Withheld]. And i keep the largest males i catch in 5 gal terrariums feeding them sugarwater.I introduce the females and if theyre virgins theyll be mated.I rrelaese them after because i can't really find any cicadas readily either.

Mating Cicada Killers
(07/08/2007) CK Bug Love
WTB:
Here's a compromising shot of two Cicada Killers from July 2005 that you might enjoy for your Bug Love page (which I think is great - I had no idea there were so many bug paparazzi.
Andrew from Mercer County, NJ.



Hi Andrew,
We received another image of mating Cicada Killers today, but that couple was shy, hiding behind

More Cicada Killer Carnage
(07/07/2007) question about types of wasp
Bugman, 
I have a question about a type of wasp that lives under ground.  I live in Illinois, about 50 miles south of Chicago, and I've started finding a extremely large type of wasp.  The length of the smallest is about 1 1/2" and the largest is about 3 inches in length.  The roundness of the bodies range from 1/4"  to about 3/8"  and they are very aggressive and territorial. I looked at the wasp and hornets on your sight and sorry to say nothing as big as what I have encountered.  I have attached a pic of a small one that I was able to catch, its curled up, but you can see the markings and size. Please let me know if you have any info on this guy, or any questions, I would appreciate it very much. Thank you very much in advance,
Rodney



Hi Rodney,
Cicada Killer are large and territorial, but they very very rarely sting humans. Only the females sting, and they are much more interested in paralyzing Cicadas and dragging them to underground burrows where they provide food for larval wasps. Males seem more aggressive as they court females, but they cannot sting. Adult wasps feed on nectar. There is really no need to try to eliminate them.

Cicada Killer
(07/06/2007) Cicada Killer
Hope you can use these pictures. I noticed something strange with this CK when a butterfly came around it would chase it off. Have you ever heard of this. Thanks,
Sharon



Hi Sharon,
Cicada Killers can be very territorial and defensive when males are seeking to woo a mate.

Cicada Killer Gassed to Death
(07/02/2007) A Large Wasp or Hornet
Hi,
This bug took three direct hits of ortho wasp killer before it went down. I'm curious what type of bug this is. The three interrupted bands on it are a yellow color. Thanks,
John Walker



Hi John,
We were so horrified at the Unnecessary Carnage of this poor Cicada Killer, that we couldn't bring ourselves to answer your email for several days.

Cicada Killer
(06/30/2007) Our 1st CK
Dear Bug Man,
The Cicada Killer in the attached photo, thanks to your site, will continue to "guard" our back step this summer (in the MD suburbs of DC).  It's a relief to know the family & especially our dog, will be able to frequently pass by him w/o being harmed.  We used to have an underground yellow jacket nest in this same area.  Do  CKs ever move into abanadoned nests?  I believe this particular CK is a male b/c he frequently rubs/bounces his tail on the step & door mat.  Is this behavior to mark his turf, attract a mate or both? Even if you're unable to responsd, THANK YOU!  Your site provides a wonderful & very interesting service. Jean



Hi Jean,
According to Eric Eaton, the behavior you describe is of a male Cicada Killer marking his territory and trying to attract a mate. Cicada Killers dig tunnels with cells for individual paralyzed Cicadas and a single young Cicada Killer. Yellow Jackets are social wasps and their abandoned nests will not suit a Cicada Killer. We have decided to make the Cicada Killer the Bug of the Month for July 2007, so your photo will remain at the top of our homepage until August.

Cicada Killer with Prey
(06/19/2007) Cicada Killer with prey
I found this site trying to figure out what this was. I believe it is a Cicada Killer with its prey.
Neal



Hi Neal,
Thanks for sending us your dramatic example of the insect Food Chain. The Cicada Killer is a much maligned insect. We get numerous reports that they are aggressive insects, though reports of stinging are few and far between. The female Cicada Killer digs a burrow that she provisions with Cicadas she has paralyzed with her sting. The Cicadas provide food for the larvae. She lays an egg on each Cicada and positions it in its own underground chamber. These are solitary wasps, though there is occasionally a nesting colony.

First Cicada Killer of the season
(06/12/2007) Help
Hey BugMan!
For a week, this bug has visited our patio in the same spot at the same time each morning.  (S)he sits on the edge of the concrete facing the grass/dirt while her bottom pulses up and down on the concrete.  What is it?  Why does it hang out here?  Is there a nest?  Is (s)he grocery shopping?
Holly
Buford , GA



Hi Holly,
We are very thrilled to get your photo, the first Cicada Killer of the season. These large solitary wasps dig burrows that they provision with paralyzed Cicadas that serve as food for the larvae. The adults eat nectar and pollen.

Update: (06/14/2007) Eric Eaton Wrote
Daniel:   The lovely image of the cicada killer is a male of the species.  Males are very territorial, and he is likely "shopping" for a female that may already have a burrow started nearby, or will be emerging from one shortly.  Males behave aggressively, but do not have stingers.  The person who submitted the image should have fun watching these wasps this summer.  Females can sting of course, but unless you grab one or accidentally step on one in bare feet, you won't get stung.  
Eric

Cicada Killer kills Dogday Harvestfly
(09/19/2006) Awesome shot! I got yelled at for going for it.
Hiya Bugman,
This summer I was visiting my in-laws in South Jersey and I saw an awesome sight at the Philly Zoo. This hornet was about three inches long and I have no idea what it's got (a grasshopper?). my in-laws were angry when they saw this photo as they didn't think I should have gotten this close. I figured he (she) was busy with its prey and wouldn't care about me anyway. Who was right? BTW that area has all kinds of interesting bugs. I really liked to look at the caterpillar nests but never got a pic.
Monika



Hey Monika,
You go girl!!!! You are fearless and our new hero. This is a Cicada Killer wasp and it has paralyzed an Annual Cicada, colorfully known as a Dogday Harvestfly. The Cicada will be food for the young wasp. Cicada Killers are frighteningly large and suffer because of their fiercesome appearance. We have not gotten any reports of anyone being stung, and they are not considered aggressive.

Cicada Killer and Annual Cicada
(08/30/2006) Cicada Killer
Hello, I happened to capture a photo of a cicada killer wasp that you may be interested in. I was sitting at an outdoor event that I photograph when motion in my peripheral vision attracted my attention. I looked up to see this GIANT wasp killing a cicada. In all the time I have been outdoors I've never seen anything like this before. Needless to say I grabbed my gear and went to work trying to capture it. You can see the image. Thanks,
Ron



Hi Ron,
We have been getting 100s of letters and photos of Cicada Killers this summer. Your Food Chain photo is one of the best.

Cicada Killer
(08/17/2006) Cicada Wasp Killer
Hi!
My name is Lorraine Cook. My backyard in Philadelphia, PA. has been invaded by CK. I contacted Professor Chuck Holliday of Lafayette College (Easton, PA) who confirmed the identity of the wasps. I'm currently collecting paralyzed cicadas for Professor Holliday to aid in his research. Sincerely,
Lorraine Cook



Hi Lorraine,
Your photo appeals to our questionable sense of humor. We just hope the Cicada Killer did not mistake the lovely young lady pictured on the box for a Cicada.

Cicada Killer
(08/14/2006) Cicada Killer & Burrow!
Wow!! Thanks to your site, I knew just what this creature was when I spotted her! I stepped out of my home to photograph the sunrise but was distracted by a LOUD buzz behind me. I saw the cicada killer crawling around this large hole which I sort of thought a small mammal was living in. Now I know!! And I’m not that surprised that we have one taking up residence in our yard—the cicadas have been annoyingly loud the past couple weeks. Arg!
Lindsey Wilson
Houston, TX



Hi Lindsey,
We are getting so many wonderful Cicada Killer photos, but we think we may need to stop posting them after yours.

Cicada Killer
(08/13/2006) Cicada Killer Photos
WTB,
Don't need an ID; just thought you might enjoy these shots of a female Cicada Killer I took today in Chicago. I look forward to seeing them every summer. I spent an hour kneeling over the female as she worked, with others circling around me like fighter planes and they never laid a stinger on me. If you have them near you, there is no need to attack them with pesticide. They are not aggressively defensive like yellow jackets and paper wasps. Other pictures of her digging the burrow can be found at my web site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/corydalus/
Cory



My My Cory,
That action photo of the Cicada Killer flying with extremely shallow depth of field is awesome. Thanks for sending your letter.

Cicada Killer with Annual Cicada
(08/06/2006) Cicada Killer Posing
Hey, just wanted to send these images along. I heard a cicada chirp, saw something fall from a tree and there she was. I actually watched close up as she stung the helpless dog-day cicada to make sure it was not moving anymore. I then watched as she dragged her prey throught the grass and proceeded 20 feet up a maple tree before I lost sight of her. She used her wings along with her legs to make it up. It reminded me of watching a leopard dragging an antelope up a tree. One question though, since these wasps live under ground, what do you think she was doing up a tree? I was thinking to get some height to glide to her burrow or get her bearings. Not sure. Love the site.
Alex C.
Rockville, Marlyand



Hi Alex,
You are correct. The Cicada is so heavy, the wasp would not be able to take off. She climbs the tree and than glides/flies toward her burrow. Thanks for the totally awesome image.

Cicada Killer kills Dogday Harvestfly in Indiana
(08/04/2006) Cicada Killer with prey
I identified this bug (I think) by using your site. I thought at first maybe they were flying around mating, but then it landed on my van, and I could tell that the bottom bug was dead and not even the same species. I noticed you said that you'd only ever received one picture with the cicada killer and its prey, so I'm sending you the ones I took. Sorry they aren't too good, I was too nervous to go any closer...lol. It was huge! When we got back to our van 30 minutes later, it was still flying around with the dead cicada.
Tina-Northwest Indiana



Hi Tina,
Thank you for sending documentation of one of the most exciting predator/prey scenarios we know about. This is a Cicada Killer and your photos are quite wonderful.

Cicada Killer
(07/20/2006) Killer bugs
I live in Michigan and I have never seen anything like this. It is almost 2 inches in length and it terrorizes us when we leave our house. Please let me know what this is.
Thanks, Steve



Hi Steve,
Cicada Killers must be very numerous this year judging by the letters we are receiving. Must be global warming.

Cicada Killer
(07/18/2006) THE UFO IN MY BACKYARD
Please, help me! What is this thing? It scares me and I have been afraid to go in my backyard with my daughter. There was one in my backyard last year and now this one showed up and for some unknown reason, maybe some divine intervention, it died nicely on my back porch so that I could take pictures of it! Please, please, what is it and why is there usually just one? Please note: I can hear it coming from over the house. like an airplane. I am anxiously awaiting your response. Thank you! Thank you!
Erin Simpson



Hi Erin,
Cicada Killers seem to be especially plentiful, especially in Texas, this year.

After extensive research and more freaking out, that is what I decided. The CK did meet an untimely death on his own, by the way... and thanks for the quick response. I think you have tapped in to an untapped market. Smart! If you ever need help with any promotional marketing efforts for this venture or any other, email me! I am forever grateful for your site! By the way, I expect your email volume to increase dramatically since you were mentioned on the FIRST page of Real Simple magazine... I live in Dallas, and don't know anyone who does not subscribe to this insightful magazine... Regardless, awesome site!!
Erin

Hi Again Erin,
We knew about the Real Simple profile, but never suspected we would be on page 1. We still haven't seen the magazine but might try the news stand again tomorrow. Thanks for the compliment.

Mating Cicada Killers
(07/11/2006) Identify hornet please.
My neighbors say it is a hornet and it looks like a big one but I have no idea what kind. My husband says it is a japanese hornet and can be dangerous around the kids. I plant a lot of plants for bees and wasp and they never bother us but the kids are now afraid to play outside because of these. If it is dangerous do I call an exterminator? I would hate to have to put chemicals in my yard. Thanks,
Heidi from Fort Mill, SC



Hi Heidi,
We love your photograph of Mating Cicada Killers, Sphecius speciosus. These large wasps are not aggressive, but they can sting. Tell your children to respect them and they will not be stung. They attack cicadas, not people.

Thank you so much for the information. I enjoyed doing research on my newly identified critter and educating the children on them. I actually take it as a compliment when "porch pets" choose my property so I can add another "porch pet" to my list. It makes sense also since I have been hearing cicada's around lately. I also found one of these wasps dead across the street and have only seen one flying around since the picture was taken. Thanks again,
Heidi, Ft. Mill, SC

Cicada Killer
(07/08/2006) can you ID this
These have been all over my yard each of the last 4 mornings. I've never seen them before, and they seem harmless, but they are terrorizing my wife.
Lou Prete



Hi Lou,
What a marvelous image of a Cicada Killer, Sphecius speciosus. They are not aggressive, but we would not want to be stung by one. As the name implies, they are predatory on Cicadas, the larval food source, but adults are pollen feeders.

Cicada Killer Wasp killed unnecessarily and possible Diabetes Diagnosis (read on)
(07/04/2006) Cicada Killer Wasp
I live in Carrollton Texas , a suburb of Dallas . In June every year I see Cicada Nymph shells everywhere in my yard and attached to my house and the adults singing to find mates are thoroughly annoying and even though Cicada's are not dangerous no one wants them flying near them making that noise . This Cicada wasp had a borough right next to my house in the edge of the grass and the driveway , too close for compfort . I saw her dragging a Cicada into her burrow and it was pretty creepy looking . These wasps fly way to close to people and with their four wings can hover like a dragonfly . They are scary and I wish the Cicada's and the Wasps would find another place to live . Periodical Cinada's are only supposed to come every 13 years but of course we have to have the annual variety so the wasps are here to stay . If they are hunting Cicada's , why are they flying into my garage and way too close to me ?
Chris from Carrollton



Happy Independence Day Chris,
Sadly, we don't know why the Cicada Killers are flying into your garage. We feel compelled to preach a bit of tolerance here in light of the unnecessary carnage depicted in your photo. Try to remember both the Cicadas and the Cicada Killer Wasps were in Texas long before either you or your ancestors. Independance is not about global domination, but about peaceful cohabitation.

Oh , and I forgot to tell you I stepped on a Fire Ant Too ! No really I had no idea what the wasp was until I spent a while investigating and ended up on your site . I also have to tell you that all my life wasps and bees have been attracted to me like a magnet and if 10 people were standing in a row the Bumble Bee would fly right at me and leave all the others alone . I once was tormented by four Dragonflies mowing the yard so bad I had to go inside and wait for 20 minutes and they were still waiting for me . Now I'm older and these sort of things don't happen as often and I try to investigate the bugs and catapillars eating my garden but I'm still leary about anything with a stinger like the Scorpion I found walking across the living room floor under the blanket my dog was napping on . I now understand benificial bugs and what the world would be missing without them but I thought the wasp was a huge Hornet with too much bold curiosity . Now I know what they are and I promise to attempt to tolerate them especially since they kill those noisy irritating Cicadas . And please write back just one more time because you are so well spoken and your witt is so very entertaining.
Chris

Hi again Chris,
We should probably clarify that there are limits to our tolerance. We draw the line at invasive species. The Fire Ant is an introduced species, believed to have been "imported" from South America to Mobile Alabama in the 1930s via a cargo ship. Here in Los Angeles, we have our own imported ant, the Argentine Sugar Ant. We will wage war on Argentine Sugar Ants and the only time we ever use pesticides is when armies of Sugar Ants invade the kitchen or bathroom. Once they tried to carry off the turkey after Thanksgiving.
Regarding your being a magnet for stinging insects, and this is not a joke, perhaps it is your brand of antiperspirant or cologne. Stinging insects are often nectar and pollen feeders and might be attracted to certain ingredients in toiletries.
Finally, there may come a time when you are forced to welcome the Cicadas. In the event of a global famine, if humans are to survive, we might be forced to eat unconventional foods. Check out our Edible Insects page to see some possibilities, including Cicadas.

Update (08/23/2006) Grammatical Clarification Required
Chris from Carollton
I would love to know how Chris from Carrollton convinced four dragonflies to mow his lawn! And may I use them when he is finished with them? - "I once was tormented by four Dragonflies mowing the yard..."
Ken

Update (07/17/2006)
I saw your response concerning Cicada Killer wasps:
You people make me sick. So, I am supposed to keep my kids inside all summer or risk them getting stung by the hundreds (yes, hundreds) of these flying around my yard. I think I would rather KILL THEM ALL then sacrifice my 2 yr old to multiple stings. Idiot. We, Humans, are the dominant Species, NOT the wasps.
glimmertwin70

We are so stunned at this vehemence that we have chosen not to respond directly.

Response to glimmertwin 70 (08/07/2006)
I'm sorry you guys have to deal with people like this, And it shows your character for putting it on your site. I just found your site today, And I feel it is one of the best sites on the web today!! Thanks for the good info
Travis

Update (08/23/2006) Another response to the verbal abuse we received!!
Response to glimmertwin70 07-07/2006
Hi, Just read your posting from glimmertwin70. Some people really ought to give their head a shake. Talk about going over the deep end! Where does this person get off about humans being the dominant species. Actually it's people like this person who is being over dramatic. We might be the dominate species, but I would rather be in the company of nature and the animal species for sure! Lorraine from Toronto, Ontario. Canada.
Cheers, Lorraine

Diabetes Diagnosis?????
(08/07/2006) The bee-attractor.
I was reading regarding the person who finds bugs (specifically bees and wasps) are disproportionately attracted to him, and a thought occured to me. For thousands of years, one of the tests physicians used to test for diabetes was to see whether the subject's urine attracted ants, thus testing for the precense of sugar in the urine. A diabetic with high blood sugar will also have a very sweet breath. Is it possible the person who wrote you is diabetic, and that the scent of sugar in his blood and on his breath is what's fooling the bugs into thinking he's a giant flower?

Very interesting, We are intrigued by the folk medicine potential of Cicada Killers.

More Glimmertwin Bashing
(09/04/2006)
First topic: I will say without question that your site is the best!!! The amount of information that you provide is outstanding. I love the layout as it's very simple to navigate around and not fancy. Keep up the good work! Now topic two: In reply to glimmertwin70: I really feel sorry for her two year old, and I hope that the child doesn't get stung. At the same time I certainly hope that as the years progress that this child will be able to enjoy and understand the beauty of nature. Given her mothers response, I'm afraid that the child will be kept harbored inside the house and not be able to explore the wonders outside the door. The mother is clearly suffering from a phobia and needs to seek help in dealing with it. While yes there are certain insects that need to be steered cleared and removed if they are in fact isndie the home. But like many types of animals, birds, insects, ect... they typically will go about their business if left alone. I think the mother has seen one too many movies and has forgotten what special effects are in most of the thrillers out today. Get a GRIP!

Cicada Killer
(06/16/2006) Local Cicada Killer Wasp
Hello
Thank you for such a wonderful site, your images, information, and submitted stories are the best! I have discovered some Cicada Killer wasps (I think Sphecius speciosus) in my yard here in northwest Austin, Texas. There's one in particular which I've been able to photograph, and a few others are buzzing around which all look very similar, although they vary in size. He/she seemed very docile and let me get quite close with my camera and tripod. Later, I discovered a nest beside my house, and just as I was finding it I was lucky enough to observe some female returning and entering the nest. These guys are really big: 2 inches if I'm a day old, and they truly strike fear into most people (like me!) due to their size, but they go about their business and didn't bother me a bit. I'm including my 2 best pics of the insect at rest, plus another in flight that I hope you like, and also one of the nest I found. Finally, I have a quicktime movie of my friend briefly visiting my back porch palm at my website here: http://www.jrj3.com/arthropods/ckwasp.mpg
Thanks!
James
P.S. May you never meet an Assassin Bug from the business end...



Hi James,
Just remember, people like you make our humble website what it is. Thanks for the wonderful contribution.

Cicada Killer
(05/29/2006) what is this bug?
Subject: what is this bug? This is by far the biggest wasp type bug I've seen in central Texas. What is it?
Jen



Hi Jen,
This is a Cicada Killer. The wasps sting and paralyze Cicadas and then fly with them to their burrow.

Cicada Killer and Cicada
what's eating this cicada? (besides the fact that it's dead)
Hi Bugman!
Love your website, and apologies if this was already covered in a chapter.  There are just SO many photos on your site I don't know where to begin!  Anyhow, I was outside when I heard a small battle being waged on my lawn, looked over, and saw this ??  (hover fly?  wasp???) attacking this cicada.  Next thing I knew the cicada ceased to be (it was now an ex-cicada) and the fly/wasp had dragged the cicada over to the nearest tree and started flying/climbing up the trunk.  Below is my Kodak moment of this adventure.  What is the fly/wasp creature, and what on earth was it doing? Thanks for your help!
Curiously Yours, Sandy in Evanston, IL



Hi Sandy,
This wasp is a Cicada Killer, and the Cicada isn't dead, yet. The female Cicada Killer digs a burrow that is her nest and then hunts Cicadas. She stings them to paralyze them and then gets them back to her burrow. Since the Cicada is so heavy, the wasp will climb a tree to gain altitude. The paralyzed Cicada then becomes the larval food source. She will lay a single egg and the paralysis keeps the meat fresh until the egg hatches. The larva then eats the Cicada alive.

Killer photos of a Killer in action!!!
(07/30/2005) Cicada killer with prey
I thought you might like more pictures of a cicada killer with its prey…I saw on your site that you had only one person send you pictures of cicada killers.   I have a few.  Enjoy!
Trish



Wow Trish,
Great photos. What a nice addition to our site.

Cicada Killer
(07/29/2005) cicada killer picture
Here’s a picture of what I think is a Cicada Killer based upon the information on your website. ve never seen any cicadas (we call them locusts here); however we have about 5 or more of these cicada killers flying around our property. They seem to dig holes in the ground, pushing out the dirt into piles beside it. I photographed one this morning on our sidewalk where we live in Warren County, New Jersey.  I recently found your website while doing a search for bug information on
www.google.com . Thanks for doing such a great job on your site! Take care,
Adrienne



Hi Adrienne,
We are very happy you found us and love your photo of a Cicada Killer.

Cicada Killer
(07/27/2005) unidentified hornet?
I finally snapped a picture of one of these guys. Maybe they do only have 2 wings.  I was wondering if they are nest builders or live in the ground, as I have yet to find their home.  Hope this helps!
Thanks,
Brittney from NC



Hi Brittney,
The last few Cicada Killer images we have gotten were from dead insects, so we are very happy to see your specimen flying. They build underground nests stocked with paralyzed cicadas for the young to eat.

Cicada Killer and Prey
(07/21/2005) Cicada Killers
Bugman:
I like your web sight.  I thought these pictures would be of interest to you. Hope you can open them up. My gut feeling is that these insects have no compassion for anything. I find this disturbing.  But they sure look cool.  Talk about aliens (they certainly are among us!) These Cicada killers are real territorial.  I've seen them chase away moths and Birds in a figure 8 pattern.  Can't seem to stop them.  Can we expect more next Summer?  Is the venom in these wasps strong enough to really send a person to the hospital? Kindest regards,
-JT



WOW JT,
Thanks for sending in probably the best photo of the year. It looks like it was shot in a studio. However did you get them to pose? Regarding compassion, I'm not entirely sure any insects have it, but the Cicada Killer is showing maternal devotion. She is protecting her nest. That might be akin to compassion. I'm sure the sting is painful, and might send a sensitive person, or surely one with allergic reactions, to the hospital. Again, thanks for the great letter and awesome photo.

Thanks Daniel. The Cicada in that picture was actually still moving very slowly. The Wasp had long gone met it's maker. I can't say insects and me have been on good terms, though I respect their right to exist on this planet as much as the next creature.

Cicada Killer Killed!!!
(07/19/2005) Question
I know these pictures are not the greatest but it’s the best I could do at the time. This is what I know to date: I live in Detroit, MI. I have seen about 5 of these in our area. I have lived in MI my entire life 45 years and in this house location for 10 years and I have never seen one of these bugs or their tunnels in the area. They tunnel in the dirt that is between the sidewalk and the grass. Their tunnels seem to always be on a 45 degree angle through the dirt. They mound the dirt up outside the tunnel, it’s a huge mound about as big as my shoe. Could you please help in identifying this creature? Thanks for your help.
Byron E. Freshwater



Hi Byron,
I hope this Cicada Killer met a death by natural causes. The Cicada Killer, Sphecius speciosus, is a large solitary wasp. A female digs a burrow and provisions it with cicadas. The cicadas are often larger than the Cicada Killer. She stings the cicada oftne in a tree, and then flies down toward her nest while carrying the large cicada. If she does not reach the burrow, she climbs another tree lugging the cicada and then attemps again to fly to the burrow. The cicada is only paralyzed by the wasp and once the cicada is buried an egg is layed. When the larva hatches, it feeds on the still living cicada, a source of fresh meat. I would guess that an unusually large population of cicadas in your area this year is also responsible for the increased numbers of Cicada Killers.

Cicada Killer
(06/28/2005) WHAT IS THIS INSECT?
HELLO---I’M TRYING TO HELP A FRIEND IDENTIFY THIS INSECT.  SHE THINKS THEY BURROW IN THE GROUND AND SHE HAS QUITE A LOT OF THEM IN THE DALLAS, TEXAS AREA.
THANK YOU, ANNETTE



Hi Annette,
Your friend has a colony of Cicada Killers, Sphecius speciosus. They do dig in the ground. The female stings and paralyzed a cicada and then lays an egg on it for her young to devour. The nest is underground.

Cicada Killer with prey and Velvet Ant
(01/01/2005) Cicada Killer and Velvet Ant
My wife and I enjoy your site. We live in Baton Rouge, LA and our garden has a diverse range of hymenopterans. This past summer we had a large emergence of cicadas and my wife took this photo of a cicada killer on our patio door. The size of these wasps is truly impressive. We also have velvet ants that hang out near one of our pecan trees (photo attached).
Regards - Mark & Malinda



Hi Mark and Malinda,
We are always happy to get good quality images of interesting subjects to add to our website. Yours is the only photo we have ever received of the Cicada Killer with its prey. Thank you so much.
Daniel

Cicada Killers
(08/14/2004) Some kind of hornet
I killed this hornet in the waiting area of an auto repair shop this afternoon in downtown Durham, NC.  It seemed to have flown in and couldn't get back out.  I was more than happy to "help" it.  Below is a description and attached are 3 pics for identification.
Full length (eyes to stinger = 37cm)
Abdomen widest width = 8.5mm
Thorax widest widthwidth 9mm
Wingspan = 63mm
Antennae = 13mm each
The eyes are large and brown.  The face between the eyes is yellow with some brown on it.  The antennae are  made of small segments and gets slightly thicker toward the end, before tapering right at the tips.  They are black. All 6 legs are kinda "spikey" like a roach or locust.  at the 2nd joint of the hindmost legs there are 2 small appendages which look like small pinchers connected at the joint and proturding toward the feet Thorax is very dark brown and medium dark brown.  Thorax is also a bit fuzzy near the abdomen  There are 2 longer outer wings and 2 shorter inner/under wings. Abdomen seems to have 6 "sections".  The 1st section from the thorax has 2 yellow markings.  The 2nd section has 2 yellow markings on the back, 2 small ones on the sides and 2 small spots on the underside.  The 3rd section has 2 yellow markings on the back.   The last three are solid black.
I made a very detailed description as the photos from my SonyEricsson T616 cellphone camera aren't that great.  I searched quite a few sites for this formidable looking fellow but came up empty-handed.  Hope you can help.  Thanks :-)
Very Sincerely,
Scott Walton



Hi Scott,
You have a Cicada Killer Wasp, Specius speciosus. According to the Golden Guide of Insects: "This large solitary wasp digs a burrow a foot or so deep. In side passages the female stores adult cicadas which she has paralyzed by stinging. The heavy cicadas are dragged up a tree by the killer till she can get enough altitude to fly back to her burrow. When the egg hatches, the lrva feedes on the helpless cicada. In a week it is full grown and pupates in a loose cocoon. It emerges the following summer, completing its life cycle." Though your photos are blurry, we are thrilled to have them.

(3/15/2002)Hello,
My name is Andrew Gable.  I have a question to ask about the possible identification of an apparent bee or wasp I saw. In October-November of the year (can't remember the exact time, but approximately 1997 or '98), while attending Lock Haven University in northern Pennsylvania, I saw a strange insect lying on the ground.  I rememebr it was quite late in the year, and I thought it was awfully cool out to be seeing a bug of any sort. The insect appeared to resemble a yellow jacket or wasp, and had the typical yellow-and-black pattern though it was quite large (approximately an inch and a half to two inches in length).  Its abdomen and thorax appeared somewhat flattened, though whether this was due to injury or natural appearance I can't be certain.  It didn't appear injured, however.  It was winged (its wings were long, and 'clear' like a fly's).  It also appeared to be somewhat glossy.  It was, to the best of my judgment, near death.  There was a vacant lot nearby, as well as a fairly large garden, so I don't discount the possibility that it could have been a burrowing insect of some sort (I believe many of the stinging insects live in burrows).
When I returned via the same path fifteen or twenty minutes later, the insect was gone, and I can only assume that it somehow found the strength to fly off. I've often tried to determine what this thing may have been to no avail, and would appreciate any help.
Thanks in advance.
Andrew D. Gable

We suspect Andrew saw a Ci cada Killer, and his measurements were closer to the actual size, a thing many of our readers tend to exaggerate.

Subject: Cicada Killer Wasps
I'd love info on these delightful little visitors as we seem to have a family who lives/visits our yard every spring. I cannot leave the house.
—Annie

Hi Annie,
The Cicada Killers, Specius speciosus and Sphecius grandis, are large solitary wasps that often live in colonies, hence your comment about the family situation. They produce one generation a year, and you are being visited by the offspring of the previous year's visitors. The wasps are large, nearly 1 2/3 inches in body length, with a much larger wingspan, and they feed on nectar and pollen. Mating males are sometimes aggressive, and females will deliver a nasty sting if provoked. It is the female who kills the cicadas. She hunts for them on tree trunks after digging a burrow. She stings the cicada, paralyzing it, then flies back to her burrow with the now immobile, yet living food source for her brood. Each burrow contains one or two cicadas, and when the solitary egg hatches, the larva has a fresh food supply.
Ckeck out the Cicada Killer Thriller Page at http://www.showmejoe.com /thriller/thriller.htm

Thank you so much!!  My exterminator was totally clueless (so I had to capture one and look online to find out about it - that's how I knew it's name) but I've now that I've seen them in my yard I've seen them around a lot more - don't know if it's a case of knowing what I'm looking for or if they're really settling in around South Orange, NJ, but I do appreciate your great information on them. Poor cicadas - darn that must hurt!  I'd noticed how aggressive the males are - especially if you fill up their burrow and they can't get back in ;)Best,
Annie Modesitt
Craft Writer / Knitting Designer
South Orange, NJ