Cicada Killer
Introduction
This wasp gets its common name from the fact that it hunts and
provisions each of its nest cells with a cicada as food for its young.
These wasps can become an urban nuisance pest when they select a bare
area around a structure as a nesting site. People become alarmed
because they look like giant yellow jackets. In the United States,
they are found east of the Rocky Mountains.
Recognition
Large, about 1-1 5/8 inch long; hairs unbranched. Color black to rusty
with yellowish markings on first and third abdominal segments. Thorax with
pronotum short, collarlike, not reaching tequla ; front wing with three
submarginal cells, second squarish; middle tibia with two apical spurs.
Habits
Typically areas of bare ground are used as nesting sites. Many
individuals may use the same general areas for nesting purposes. While
digging their burrow, the females excavate a sizable pile of soil,
which can disfigure a lawn.
Females in general will not sting unless handled or stepped on such as
by barefooted children. Males will buzz people but cannot sting.
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