Cicada killers are large, striking insects that often draw attention due to their size and wasp-like appearance. Many people wonder about their habits, particularly where they make their homes. A common question arises about whether these impressive creatures live within the ground. This article will explore the fascinating subterranean life of cicada killers and their interactions with the world above.
The Ground as Their Home
Cicada killers primarily live in the ground, constructing burrows for nesting and raising their young. The female excavates these tunnels for their reproductive cycle. They prefer well-drained, sandy, or loose soil, often in sunny locations with sparse vegetation. This soil allows for easier digging and provides stability for the burrow structure.
A typical cicada killer burrow entrance has a U-shaped mound of excavated soil around an opening 0.5 to 1 inch in diameter. The main tunnel extends horizontally or vertically, often reaching depths of 6 to 10 inches. From this main tunnel, the female digs multiple side chambers, each housing a single offspring. These underground structures are nurseries provisioned for the next generation.
The Underground Life Cycle
The ground is central to the cicada killer’s developmental cycle. Once a female excavates a chamber, she hunts and paralyzes one or more cicadas, dragging them back into the burrow. She places the paralyzed cicada at the end of a chamber and lays a single egg on its underside. This cicada serves as the sole food source for the developing larva.
Upon hatching, the cicada killer larva begins to feed on the provisioned cicada. This feeding process takes one to two weeks, during which the larva grows. After consuming its meal, the larva spins a cocoon within the underground chamber, entering the pupal stage. Most pupae overwinter in their cocoons, remaining dormant through colder months. They emerge as adults the following summer, digging out of the ground to begin the cycle anew.
Coexisting with Cicada Killers
Despite their imposing size and the male’s buzzing, cicada killers are not aggressive towards humans or pets. Only the female possesses a stinger, primarily used to paralyze cicada prey. She only stings a human if directly threatened or handled roughly. Such stings are reported to be less painful than a bee sting, though individual reactions can vary.
Male cicada killers, lacking a stinger, fly erratically and buzz around perceived threats. This behavior can appear intimidating, but these males are incapable of stinging. Cicada killers help control cicada populations. Understanding their behavior and recognizing their limited threat helps people coexist peacefully with these ground-dwelling insects.