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Cicada Killer with cicada
Sphecius speciosus
31.1277, -97.5215
Field Notes
Description:
Cicada killers reach up to 1-½ inch in length. Except for a rusty red head and thorax, they are overall black or rusty in color, with yellow band markings on the abdominal segments. They have russet colored wings
Habitat:
Wildlife habitat yard.
Notes:
This cicada killer was in the process of stinging a cicada.
Cicada killers are 1½-inch predator wasps that look frightening, but males can't sting, and females don't sting humans or other animals unless provoked. A female will sting a cicada, then drag it to its ground nest. She lays an egg on the paralyzed cicada, and when the larva hatches, it eats the cicada.
Reference Links:
Sphecius speciosus
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedJuly 17, 2013
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