The Eastern Cicada Killer is the largest wasp in eastern North America, reaching 2 inches, with black-and-yellow banding and a powerful, robust build. Despite its intimidating size, it is solitary and nonaggressive; males cannot sting and females rarely do unless physically restrained. Each female paralyzes cicadas with her sting, drags them to a burrow, and lays eggs on them for larvae to consume.
Best time to see a Eastern Cicada Killer
The best time to see a Eastern Cicada Killer is July–August, when about 80% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 27,812 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Eastern Cicada Killer? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Eastern Cicada Killer sightings near you
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