Eastern Cicada Killer Scientific Name and What You Need to Know

The eastern cicada killer has a scientific name that's as impressive as the insect itself: Sphecius speciosus. This wasp is a large and impressive insect, with some females reaching lengths of up to 2.5 inches.

The eastern cicada killer is a solitary wasp, meaning it doesn't live in colonies like some other wasps. This is reflected in its scientific name, which is Latin for "showy" or "beautiful", a nod to its striking appearance.

These wasps are known for their distinctive black and yellow stripes, which serve as a warning to potential predators that they're toxic. It's a clever defense mechanism that helps them survive in the wild.

Broaden your view: Eastern Cicada Killer Predators

The cicada killer is a wasp that's often misunderstood, but it's actually a beneficial insect in our landscapes.

It's a member of the Sphecidae family, specifically the Sphecius speciosus species.

These wasps are known for their distinctive size, reaching up to 1-½ inch in length, with a rusty red head and thorax, and black or rusty bodies with yellow band markings.

Their russet colored wings are a notable feature, and they're often mistaken for bees due to their size and coloration.

Cicada killers are solitary wasps, meaning each female has her own burrow, but they can be gregarious and nest in the same area.

Females are defensive of their burrows, and males aggressively patrol and defend their territory near their emergence holes.

Males have a "pseudo-stinger" that may poke but lacks venom, while females have a powerful sting they rarely use on humans.

Adult cicada killers feed on nectar from flowers, but their larvae feed exclusively on cicadas, making them a helpful service in our landscapes.

By controlling cicada populations, cicada killers help prevent damage to plants and trees.

These wasps are active during July and August, coinciding with the emergence of cicadas, which they attack, sting, and paralyze to provision their nests.

Their larvae feed on the paralyzed cicadas, and the adult wasps will feed on nectar from flowers.

Cicada killers are considered benign unless they pose a threat to vulnerable people or pets, in which case management may be necessary.

On a similar theme: Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp

Adult cicada killers emerge in early July and live for approximately 60-75 days, feeding on nectar and other plant exudates.

Males typically die soon after mating, while females live longer to focus on nesting and caring for their young.

Female cicada killers prefer well-drained soils and sparse vegetation for digging new nesting holes, often targeting sunny spots in home lawns, golf courses, and playgrounds.

They may also nest near planters, flower beds, and under shrubs or ground cover.

Female cicada killers dig burrows 6-10 inches deep and one-half inch wide, displacing several pounds of soil in the process.

Each burrow has a U-shaped entrance mound, formed by the excess soil thrown out of the burrow.

A single female cicada killer may create 10-20 cells in a single burrow, each containing one to two paralyzed cicadas and an individual egg.

Male cicada killers are territorial and may approach humans, animals, and other males to defend their nesting area.

A fresh viewpoint: Eastern Cicada Killer How to Get Rid of Them

Despite their aggressive appearance, they are harmless.

Eggs typically hatch in 2-3 days, and the larvae begin feeding on the paralyzed cicadas provided by their mother.

The larvae complete their development in 4-14 days and then spin a silken cocoon to protect themselves from the winter.

The following summer, the larvae will pupate and emerge as adult cicada killers.