Spheciina

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Spheciina: /ˈsfiːsiˌɪna/

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Summary

The subtribe Spheciina includes cicada killer wasps known for hunting cicadas to provision their nests. They are characterized by their large size and ground-dwelling habits, and they contribute to controlling cicada populations within their ecosystems.

Physical Characteristics

Large, solitary, ground-dwelling wasps with robust bodies typically found in sandy or loose soils.

Identification Tips

Look for their large size, solitary behavior, and nests dug into the ground. The eastern cicada killer (S. speciosus) is particularly well-known.

Habitat

Prefer sandy or loose soils where they can dig their nests, often found in open, sunny areas.

Distribution

Five species in two genera locally, with a total of fifty-five species in four genera recognized worldwide, particularly abundant between North Africa and Central Asia.

Diet

Primarily feed on cicadas, which they hunt, paralyze, and use to provision their nests.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes egg, larval, and adult stages; eggs are laid on paralyzed cicadas within burrows.

Reproduction

Females construct burrows, hunt cicadas, and lay eggs on them for the larvae to consume after hatching.

Ecosystem Role

Important predators of cicadas; play a role in controlling cicada populations in their habitats.

Similar Taxa

• Liogorytes
• Exeirus

Misconceptions

Often misidentified or confused with other types of wasps; not aggressive towards humans unless provoked.

Tags

• wasps
• Spheciina
• cicada killers
• biodiversity
• predatory insects