Cicada Killer Wasp
Physical Features
Cicada killers are large, solitary wasps reaching up to 1 ½ inches in length. Their bodies are black with yellow markings on the abdomen. Wings are reddish brown.
Life Cycle
Complete metamorphosis
Adults emerge from the soil in summer. Males and females will feed, mate and begin making small burrows about 6 inches deep in the soil surface preparing for when the female lays her eggs. The female will search for cicadas in or near trees. They will sting the cicada causing paralysis then drag the cicada or multiple cicadas into one burrow, lay one egg, then seal burrow so development can occur. The larva will begin feeding after hatching 2-3 days later. Approximately a week later pupation is initiated and continues through the winter until the adult emerges the following June. One generation each year.
Habits
- Diet: Adults feed on flower nectar.
- Activity: Adults active during summer months.
- Preferred Climate: Warm temperatures.
- Defense: Warning colorations and size.
- Cautions: Females burrowing in same area forming aggregations can be a nuisance. Females will sting if provoked.
- Home Invasion: Bare ground clear of vegetation is most susceptible of being used for burrowing.
Helpful Hints for Control
- Properly fertilize and water lawns promoting healthy turf.
- Targeted insecticide treatment may be necessary if larger populations, aggregations occur to prevent possibility of begin stung.
Interesting Fact
Cicada wasps are one species of over 130 that are digger wasps.
Symptoms
Bee stings can produce different reactions, ranging from temporary pain and discomfort to a severe allergic reaction. Having one type of reaction doesn’t mean you’ll always have the same reaction every time you’re stung. Bee stings are minor and usually include an instant, sharp pain at the sting site. A small, white spot where the stinger punctured the skin will appear with slight swelling around the area. In most cases, the pain will disappear within a few hours. Sometimes anaphylaxis can occur, which is a severe allergic reaction. This includes hives, pale skin, difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat and tongue, a weak and rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
