July 15, 2025
The largest wasp species in Virginia, the Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp (Sphecius speciosus). Both males and females live about 2 months as adults. They eat tree sap and flower nectar. Males die, not long after mating.
The female continues with her duties, taking care of her young. She does this by hunting Cicadas, mainly Annual Cicadas (Neotibicen canicularis). She will sting each one to paralyze it, and takes it to her elaborate nest which she has tunneled into the ground. The nest reaches several feet underground, branching out into many cells.
She places these Cicadas in cells with an egg, and seals off each of the cells, which she has provisioned with paralyzed Cicadas, with one egg in each cell. The eggs will typically hatch in 2 to 3 days.
The hatched larvae feed on the Cicadas over the course of about 2 weeks. Eating until there is only the exoskeleton left. In preparation for winter the larvae will spin a cocoon, spending the winter in their cells.
Winter fades, spring arrives and soon summer occurs, at which time they will pupate and emerge as an adult Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp.
Despite their size, which makes them appear threatening, these Cicada Killers are beneficial insects to have around.
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2 responses to “Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp”
Hi Bren,
This link is about another of your interests, American Chestnut trees. This was sent to me and you may have seen it. I send FWIW.
https://www.adirondackexplorer.org/stories/scientists-look-for-approval-to-bring-back-american-chestnut-trees
Hi Nancy! Thanks bunches for thinking of me, concerning America Chestnuts. I do adore them and keep up with what is going on with the extensive research that is happening. I was on the board of directors of the Virginia chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation way back when and learned so much about these precious trees. I have a couple growing in my front yard though they both have the blight. So they are becoming much like large bushes rather than tall trees. Still they are very special to me and still bloom every year!
So very glad you read my posts!
Bren