Western counterpart to eastern cicada killer. Female catches cicadas, drags to underground burrow.

Also called: Western Cicada Killer Wasp

Native status: Native to western US

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 3.5–5 cm
Weight~1 g
LifespanAdults 2–4 weeks
OrderHymenoptera
FamilyCrabronidae

§ Encyclopedia

Sphecius grandis, also called the western cicada killer, is a species of cicada killer wasp (Sphecius). The western species shares the same nesting biology as its fellow species, the eastern cicada killer. S. grandis, like all other species of the genus Sphecius, mainly provides cicadas for its offspring. It forms nest aggregations and mates and broods once in a year, in July and early August. The wasp is on average 3 cm (1 in) to 5 cm (2 in) in length and is amber-yellow with yellow rings on its abdomen.

Source: Wikipedia — Sphecius grandis Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive wasp with dark body and prominent yellow markings on legs and abdomen; chestnut-red wing veins; broad head.

Similar species. Eastern Cicada Killer (eastern range; very similar). Hornets and large yellowjackets (smaller; different shape).

Voice. Loud buzzing flight; females may stridulate when handled.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Adults: nectar. Larvae: paralyzed cicadas provided by mother wasp.

Behavior. One of the largest North American wasps. Females hunt cicadas, paralyze them with a sting, and drag them (often heavier than themselves) into pre-dug burrow chambers as food for offspring. Adults are large but not aggressive — males are territorial but lack stingers; females rarely sting humans even when handled. Burrows in sandy soil can be 30+ cm deep; sometimes form dense colonies of dozens of nests.

§ Range

Western US

§ Habitat

Open areas

§ Threats

Habitat loss, pesticide use.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the western cicada killer is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support open habitats. Skip pesticides.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • BugGuide
  • University of Florida IFAS Entomology
  • iNaturalist