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
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Eastern Cicada Killer? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Eastern Cicada Killer is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.