Cicada killers are large, solitary wasps that can seem intimidating due to their size and buzzing presence. They are renowned for their unique hunting behavior, specifically targeting cicadas. Despite their imposing appearance, these wasps are generally not aggressive toward humans. They are a common sight in many areas, particularly during the warmer months.
Understanding Cicada Killers
Cicada killers are among the largest wasps found in North America, with females reaching nearly two inches, males slightly smaller. Their bodies are typically black with distinct yellow or orange bands, with transparent, often amber-tinted wings. These wasps are ground-nesting insects, with females digging burrows that can extend 12-15 inches deep and up to 36 inches long in well-drained, loose soil, often identified by a U-shaped mound of dirt at the entrance.
Their name derives from their primary prey: cicadas. Female cicada killers are skilled hunters, stinging cicadas to paralyze them with venom. The paralyzed cicada is then dragged or glided back to the burrow. Once inside, the cicada serves as a live food source for the wasp’s developing larvae.
Their Active Season
Adult cicada killers emerge in late spring to early summer, typically late June or early July. Their activity peaks through the mid-to-late summer months, coinciding with the emergence of their cicada prey. During this period, males can be observed patrolling nesting areas, while females are busy hunting and provisioning their burrows.
The presence of adult cicada killers is relatively short-lived. They begin to die off by late summer or early fall, usually by August or September, after completing their reproductive cycle. The exact timing of their disappearance can vary slightly based on geographical location and local climate conditions.
Why They Disappear
The disappearance of adult cicada killers by late summer is a natural part of their annual life cycle. After emerging, adult cicada killers focus intently on mating and the female’s task of provisioning burrows. Female wasps will dig tunnels and stock them with paralyzed cicadas, laying a single egg on each cicada. Adult wasps, both males and females, have a short lifespan, typically a few weeks once they emerge. Males die shortly after mating, while females perish after laying their eggs and completing their nesting duties.
The eggs hatch within a few days, and the resulting larvae feed on the paralyzed cicadas for about two weeks. These larvae then spin a cocoon and overwinter underground in the burrows, where they develop into pupae. The new generation of adult cicada killers will then emerge the following summer, continuing the cycle. This annual cycle means their disappearance is a predictable, biological event.
Are They a Threat?
Despite their intimidating size and appearance, cicada killers are generally not aggressive toward humans. They are solitary wasps, meaning they do not live in colonies or have a nest to defend, unlike social wasps such as hornets or yellowjackets. Their primary focus is on hunting cicadas and reproductive activities.
Male cicada killers, while sometimes exhibiting territorial behavior like “inspecting” humans or dive-bombing, are harmless as they lack a stinger. Female cicada killers do have a stinger, which they use to paralyze their prey. However, they are unlikely to sting unless directly handled, stepped on, or severely provoked. Sting pain is typically mild, often less painful than a honey bee sting. While a sting can cause localized pain, redness, and swelling, it is usually not medically significant for most individuals.