Cicada Killer Wasp (Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp)

Large, solitary, ground-burrowing wasps, approximately two inches (5 cm) in length. Black or dark brown, with yellow markings on several segments of their abdomen.

Males of this species cannot sting. The females use their sting to paralyze cicadas rather than defend their nest. They will only sting when being handled aggressively. The adult females do not eat the cicadas, but instead take the paralyzed prey back to her burrow where she will lay her eggs. The cicada will be the food source for the hatching larvae.