Eastern Cicada Killer

Well-drained, sandy soils in open areas, lawns, and gardens exposed to full sun.

Adults feed on flower nectar and tree sap. Larvae feed exclusively on paralyzed cicadas provided by the mother.

Solitary wasps that dig burrows in the ground. Males are aggressive and territorial towards intruders near nesting areas, but they lack stingers. Females can sting but rarely do unless handled roughly.

Benefits include natural population control of cicadas. Risks are minimal; males can be startling due to their large size and aggressive hovering, but they cannot sting, and females are very docile unless mishandled.