Do Wasps Kill Cicadas?
WouterThose who have ever been bitten by a wasp have probably asked themselves, “Do wasps kill cicadas?” Cicadas are not dangerous to humans but some people can develop an allergic reaction. This reaction can be dangerous if you are a child or if you have a medical condition. You should seek medical attention if the reaction is severe.
Cicada killer wasps are large insects, averaging about two inches in length. They are dark brown and have yellow markings on their abdomens. They are ground nesting insects that are solitary and don’t live in colonies.
The cicada killer wasp builds underground burrows in sandy soils. These burrows are about a foot deep and the tunnel openings are about half an inch wide. The female wasps dig these tunnels and lay eggs in the tunnels. The larvae of the cicada killer wasp feed on the cicadas. They then pupate in the cicada’s shell.
The cicada killer wasps are not a threat to humans but are common in the United States and Canada. They are common in Texas, California, and the western United States.
There are two species of cicada killer wasps in the U.S. These include the eastern cicada killer, which is found in Ontario, Canada, and the western cicada killer, which is found from Texas to California.
These insects are often seen on the National Mall during July and August. In addition, they have been reported in Colorado and Washington State. The Western Cicada Killer is a relatively large wasp, averaging about two inches in length.
