Cicada Killer Wasp

Natural Habitat

Open areas with bare, well-drained, sandy soil, often found in lawns, gardens, or golf courses.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on plant nectar and sap. Larvae feed on cicadas provided by the mother.

Behavior Patterns

Solitary wasps; females dig deep burrows where they deposit paralyzed cicadas to serve as food for their larvae. Males are territorial and may hover near humans but cannot sting.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans; females rarely sting unless stepped on or handled. They provide ecosystem benefits by controlling cicada populations and aerating the soil.

Identified on: 4/4/2026