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Sphecius
Cicada-killer Wasps, Cicada Killers
Sphecius is a genus of large, solitary, ground-dwelling predatory wasps commonly known as cicada-killer wasps. The genus comprises 21 recognized species worldwide, with highest diversity in the region between North Africa and Central Asia. Females hunt adult cicadas, sting them into paralysis, and provision underground nests with these prey items for their larval offspring. The genus is notable for pronounced sexual size dimorphism, with females approximately twice the size of males, and for complex male territorial behavior. Four species occur in the Americas: S. speciosus (eastern), S. grandis (western), S. convallis (Pacific), and S. hogardii (Caribbean).