Eastern Cicada Killer

Description:

Cicada killers are large digger wasps. They are black to reddish brown marked with light yellow stripes on the abdominal (rear) segments. The wings are brownish. Cicada Killers are among the largest wasps seen in the Eastern United States, their unusual size (up to 2 inches) giving them a uniquely fearsome appearance. Cicada killer females use their sting to paralyze their prey (cicadas) rather than to defend their nests; unlike most social wasps and bees, they do not attempt to sting unless handled roughly. Adults emerge in summer, typically beginning around late June or early July and die off in September or October. Adults feed on flower nectar and other plant sap exudates. They hunt cicadas and provision their nests with them.

Habitat:

This ground-burrowing wasp may be found in well-drained, sandy soils to loose clay in bare or grass-covered banks, berms and hills as well as next to raised sidewalks, driveways and patio slabs

Notes:

The pictures do not do these wasps justice, as their large size can be very intimidating.