Eastern Cicada Killer

Well-drained, sandy soils or loose clay in open areas like lawns, gardens, and golf courses.

Adults feed on flower nectar and sap; larvae feed on paralyzed cicadas provided by the mother.

Solitary wasps that dig underground burrows. Females hunt cicadas, paralyzing them with a sting to stock their nests for their offspring. Males are territorial and may buzz around humans but cannot sting.

Benefits the ecosystem by controlling cicada populations. They are generally non-aggressive toward humans and rarely sting unless stepped on or handled roughly. Their sting is painful but not typically dangerous unless the person is allergic.