Eastern Cicada Killer

Natural Habitat

Open areas such as lawns, gardens, and playgrounds with well-drained, sandy soils for nesting.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on flower nectar and plant sap. Larvae feed exclusively on cicadas provided by the mother in underground burrows.

Behavior Patterns

Solitary wasps that tunnel into the ground. Females hunt cicadas, paralyze them with a sting, and drag them back to the nest to feed their offspring. Males are territorial and pursue anything that flies near their nest but lack a stinger.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem by controlling cicada populations. They are generally non-aggressive toward humans and rarely sting unless stepped on or handled roughly. Their burrows can occasionally disrupt lawns.

Identified on: 6/15/2026