Cicada Killers Identification Guide
Sphecius speciosus
Large solitary wasps that dig burrows in lawns and hunt cicadas. Despite their intimidating size, cicada killers are not aggressive toward humans.
Taxonomy
Cicada Killers Coloration
Common color patterns to help identify cicada killers
Cicada Killers
Seasonal Activity
When cicada killers are most active throughout the year
Where Cicada Killers Are Found
Hover over states to see their names. Green regions indicate where cicada killers have been reported.
Cicada Killer Identification Guide
Physical Characteristics
Cicada killers are among the largest wasps in North America. They measure 1.5 to 2 inches long. Their large size often causes alarm, but they are surprisingly calm around people. The head and thorax are a rusty reddish-brown color. The abdomen has bands of black and pale yellow. Their wings are amber to brownish, and their six legs range from yellow to reddish. Females are larger than males and have a stinger. Males have a harmless pseudo-stinger.
These wasps look similar to yellowjackets because of their black and yellow coloring. However, their much larger size and reddish-brown thorax make them easy to tell apart.
Common Species
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Eastern Cicada Killer (Sphecius speciosus): The most common species in the eastern United States. Found from the Great Plains to the Atlantic coast.
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Western Cicada Killer (Sphecius grandis): Found in the western states, especially the Southwest.
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Pacific Cicada Killer (Sphecius convallis): Found along the Pacific coast from California to British Columbia.
Cicada Killer Behavior and Biology
Unlike yellowjackets and hornets, cicada killers are solitary wasps. Each female builds and stocks her own burrow. She does not live in a colony with a queen. However, many females often nest close together when conditions are good. This can make it look like a colony.
Hunting and Nesting
Female cicada killers are skilled hunters. They find cicadas in trees using their eyesight rather than sound. This is why most of their prey are female cicadas, which make no mating calls. After spotting a cicada, the wasp attacks in flight. She grabs the cicada and stings it. The venom does not kill the cicada but paralyzes it. This keeps it alive and fresh for the developing larva.
Each female digs a burrow 6 to 10 inches deep and about half an inch wide. She uses her jaws and hind legs to dig. The soil she removes forms a U-shaped mound at the entrance. Inside the burrow, she creates cells. She places one to three paralyzed cicadas in each cell before laying a single egg. The egg hatches in two to three days. The larva feeds for four to ten days until only the cicada’s shell remains.
Life Cycle
Cicada killers produce one generation per year. Larvae spend winter in a cocoon in their underground cells. They pupate in spring. Adults usually emerge by early July and stay active through summer. Each adult lives about 60 to 75 days. They emerge at the same time as cicadas, which provides plenty of food for their offspring.
Male Behavior
Male cicada killers show territorial behavior that can seem aggressive. They patrol nesting areas and hover near burrow entrances. They inspect anything that moves, including people. Males may dive-bomb or hover in front of faces. However, they have no stinger and cannot harm humans. This behavior is just defensive posturing.
Treatment Options for Cicada Killers
Cicada killers can become a nuisance when they nest in lawns, playgrounds, or high-traffic areas. Their burrows can create unsightly dirt mounds and cause concern for homeowners. Several treatment approaches can address cicada killer activity.
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Cultural Control: Making the habitat less attractive to nesting females is effective for long-term control. Cicada killers prefer bare or thin soil in sunny spots. Overseeding lawns in fall creates dense turf that discourages nesting. Proper irrigation and covering bare soil with 2 to 3 inches of mulch also helps. Females avoid wet soil, so keeping the area moist can discourage activity.
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Physical Deterrents: Running a sprinkler over active nesting areas may encourage females to relocate. This works as a short-term solution while other control methods take effect.
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Professional Treatment: A pest control professional can apply products to individual burrow entrances. Treatment works best in evening hours when wasps are less active. For large nesting areas, broader treatment of the soil may be needed. Follow-up visits ensure the population is controlled.
For recurring problems, the best approach combines professional treatment with landscape changes that make the area less attractive for nesting.
References
Other Wasps
Explore other species in the wasps family
Commonly Confused With
Cicada Killers are often mistaken for these similar pests
Where Cicada Killers Are Found
Hover over states to see their names. Green regions indicate where cicada killers have been reported.
Common Questions about Cicada Killers
Are cicada killers dangerous to humans?
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Despite their large size and intimidating appearance, cicada killers are not aggressive toward people. Males cannot sting at all. Females can sting but only do so if stepped on or handled roughly. They are considered one of the least dangerous wasps.
Why are cicada killers digging holes in my lawn?
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Female cicada killers dig burrows in well-drained soil to create nests for their young. They prefer areas with sparse vegetation, sandy or loose soil, and full sun exposure. Common nesting sites include lawns, flower beds, sidewalk edges, and sandy areas.
How do I get rid of cicada killers in my yard?
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The most effective long-term solution is to improve lawn health with overseeding, fertilization, and irrigation. Thick turf discourages nesting. Applying mulch to bare soil in garden beds also helps. For active infestations, treatment products can be applied to burrow entrances.
Do cicada killers return to the same spot every year?
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Females often return to areas where they emerged as adults, so nesting can recur annually in the same location. Improving soil conditions and turf density can discourage them from returning.
What do cicada killers eat?
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Adult cicada killers feed on flower nectar and plant sap. They hunt cicadas to feed their larvae. A female will paralyze a cicada with her sting and carry it to her burrow where the larva feeds on the still-living cicada.
How can I tell cicada killers apart from yellowjackets?
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Cicada killers are much larger at 1.5 to 2 inches long, compared to yellowjackets at about half an inch. Cicada killers have a reddish-brown head and thorax with yellow and black banding on the abdomen. They are solitary and nest in the ground, while yellowjackets are social and highly aggressive.
When are cicada killers most active?
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Cicada killers emerge in mid-summer, typically late June through August, coinciding with cicada season. Adults live for about 60 to 75 days. They are most active during warm, sunny days.
With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that's been protecting homes for over 57 years. He manages and trains a team of service pros while also leading internal research efforts—recently spearheading a deep-dive review of thousands of documents on pest control materials to hand-pick the most kid and pet friendly, most effective solutions tailored specifically for homes in the DC metro area.