Sphecius hogardii

(Latreille, 1806)

Caribbean cicada killer, Caribbean Cicada-killer Wasp

Sphecius hogardii, commonly known as the Caribbean killer, is a large solitary in the Crabronidae. It is one of four North American in the Sphecius, all of which specialize in hunting cicadas to provision underground nests. The species is found in the Caribbean region and extends into southern Florida. Like other cicada killers, females paralyze cicadas with venom and transport them to burrow as food for their developing larvae.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sphecius hogardii: /ˈsfiːsiəs hoʊˈɡɑrdi.aɪ/

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Identification

S. hogardii can be distinguished from other Sphecius by its geographic distribution in the Caribbean and southern Florida. It is most similar to S. speciosus (eastern killer) but occurs outside that species' primary range. Females possess modified hind tibial spines shaped into blade-like structures used for digging burrows, a trait shared with . Males lack these digging adaptations and are smaller than females.

Habitat

Sandy or well-drained soils suitable for burrow excavation. In southern Florida, occupies where cicadas are available and loose soil permits nest construction.

Distribution

Caribbean region and southern Florida in North America. Two recognized: S. hogardii hogardii (nominate) and S. hogardii bahamas (Bahamas).

Seasonality

active in summer, coinciding with of prey.

Diet

feed on nectar; larvae are that consume paralyzed cicadas provisioned by females. Specific for S. hogardii have not been documented.

Life Cycle

Females excavate underground burrows with multiple . Each cell is provisioned with one or more paralyzed cicadas depending on offspring sex: male receive one , female eggs (which develop into larger ) receive two or more. Larvae hatch and consume the living but immobilized cicadas, then pupate underground to emerge the following summer.

Behavior

Females hunt cicadas in vegetation, sting them to induce paralysis, and transport prey to burrows. Males establish territories near nesting and engage in aerial combat with intruding males, though they cannot sting.

Ecological Role

of cicadas; contributes to soil aeration through burrowing activity.

Human Relevance

Generally harmless to humans despite large size; females rarely sting unless handled, males cannot sting. May cause concern when nesting in lawns due to burrow mounds.

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