Cicada killer (Sphecius speciosus).
Click on image to enlarge. Cicada Killer

Scientific name: Sphecius speciosus (Drury)
(Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)

Facts: The cicada killer is another soil-nesting wasp. It is very large and conspicuous. This beneficial insect captures cicadas and carries them to a nest where they are fed upon by the wasp larvae.

Photo credit: Curt Williams


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Last modified:  August 10, 2001 by John A. Jackman