The cicada killer wasp, scientifically known as Sphecius speciosus, is a large, solitary insect frequently encountered during warmer months. This wasp is often a subject of curiosity due to its formidable size and appearance, which can lead to misidentification. Understanding its distinct physical characteristics helps in accurately identifying this common North American species.
Overall Appearance and Size
The cicada killer is a notably large wasp. Females are typically larger than males, ranging from approximately 1.5 to nearly 2 inches (38 to 50 mm) in length. Males are somewhat smaller, usually measuring between 1 and 1.5 inches (25 to 38 mm).
The body of a cicada killer is robust and elongated, displaying a general color scheme of black or dark brown with prominent yellow markings. It possesses a distinct wasp waist, which is a noticeable constriction separating its thorax from its abdomen. This body shape is characteristic of many wasp species, providing a general outline for its identification.
Distinctive Body Features
Its abdomen, which is primarily black, is marked with three distinct, irregular yellow bands. These bands are jagged or having “mountain-like” peaks, differentiating them from the smoother stripes found on some other large wasps.
The wings of the cicada killer are reddish-brown, rusty, or amber-colored. When at rest, these wings are often held straight out from the body, a posture that contrasts with other wasps that fold their wings along their backs. The six legs of the cicada killer are brightly colored, ranging from reddish-orange to bright orangish-red. The head and thorax are rust-colored or dark brown, with the head narrower than the wasp’s shoulders.
Distinguishing from Other Insects
The cicada killer is frequently mistaken for other large stinging insects, such as hornets and yellow jackets, primarily due to its size and coloration. The head of a cicada killer is typically narrower than its shoulders and is usually dark brown or rust-colored, sometimes with a yellow patch on its face. In contrast, hornets, such as the Asian giant hornet, often have wider, more prominent orange or yellow heads that can be as wide as or wider than their shoulders.
Many hornets, including the Asian giant hornet, display smoother, more uniform bands that are often orange or brown. Yellow jackets, while sharing a black and yellow color scheme, are considerably smaller than cicada killers and typically have more intricate and complex yellow and black patterns on their bodies. The reddish-brown or amber wings of the cicada killer also contrast with the clearer wings of many yellow jacket species.