Cicada-killer Wasps
Sphecius
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Family: Crabronidae
- Subfamily: Bembicinae
- Tribe: Bembicini
- Subtribe: Spheciina
- Genus: Sphecius
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sphecius: //ˈsfiːsi.əs//
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Images
Summary
Sphecius, commonly known as cicada killer wasps, is a genus of large solitary wasps known for their unique behavior of hunting cicadas to provision their nests. They are notable for their size, ecological role as predators, and the relationship with their prey.
Physical Characteristics
Adult cicada killer wasps are large, ranging from 30 to 40 mm in length. Males possess a projection of the last abdominal sternite resembling a pseudo-stinger.
Identification Tips
Females can be identified by their behavior of catching cicadas in flight and provisioning nests with them; males may be recognized by their pseudo-stinger.
Habitat
Cicada killers are found in various habitats including open fields, gardens, and areas near water where cicadas are abundant.
Distribution
Widespread across North America, especially in eastern regions, as well as in parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Diet
Adults primarily feed on nectar, whereas females hunt cicadas to provision their nests with paralyzed prey for their larvae.
Life Cycle
Females catch and paralyze cicadas, laying eggs on them within burrows. The larvae feed on the cicada meat over the fall, winter, and spring before emerging in summer.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs on paralyzed cicadas in burrows. Each burrow contains a single egg and multiple paralyzed cicadas to nourish the developing larva.
Ecosystem Role
As predators of cicadas, they help control cicada populations and are part of the local food web.
Collecting Methods
- Hand collection during flight
- Using nets near nesting sites
- Trapping with bait
Preservation Methods
- Kill and pin specimens
- Preserve in alcohol
- Freeze for later study
Evolution
The genus Sphecius shows evolutionary adaptation towards specialized hunting of cicadas, similar to the behaviors observed in related tribes like Gorytini.
Similar Taxa
- Liogorytes
- Exeirus
Misconceptions
Some people may think cicada killer wasps are aggressive or dangerous, as they can appear formidable, but they are generally solitary and non-aggressive unless provoked.
Tags
- wasps
- cicada killers
- Cicada-hawk wasps
- Sphecius