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Sphecius speciosus
Adult eastern cicada killer wasps are large, 1.5 to 5.0 centimeters (0.6 to 2.0 in) long, robust wasps with hairy, reddish and black areas on the thorax (middle part), and are black to reddish brown marked with light yellow stripes on the abdominal (rear) segments. The wings are brownish. Coloration superficially resembles that of some yellowjacket and hornet species. The females are somewhat larger than the males, and both are among the largest wasps seen in the Eastern United States, their unusual size giving them a uniquely fearsome appearance. European hornets (Vespa crabro) are often mistaken for Eastern cicada killers. (information from Wikipedia)
I was mowing the lawn when this wasp kept flying around and landing in the same spot in the center of the yard. Thinking it would probably fly away for good if I went and got my camera, I went inside to grab my rig anyway. Boy, was I wrong! It sat there for the longest time while I snapped photos. In fact, it was there so long that I got a bit bored and went back to mowing. :-)
Spotted on Aug 8, 2006
Submitted on Jan 6, 2012
2 Comments
I hear that's not easy to pull off, as the species usually allows humans to get fairly close. The one in my photo is a male, so there was no chance of being stung. :-)
Another beautiful photo!