Eastern Cicada Killer

Well-drained, sandy or loose soil in sunny areas, often found in lawns, gardens, and near trees where cicadas are abundant.

Adults feed on flower nectar and tree sap. Females hunt cicadas to provision their underground nests for their larvae.

Solitary wasps that dig burrows in the ground. Males are territorial and aggressively patrol nesting areas, but lack stingers. Females hunt cicadas, paralyze them with venom, and drag them back to underground chambers.

Risks: Females can sting if handled or stepped on directly, though they are generally docile toward humans. Benefits: They provide natural pest control by regulating cicada populations.