‘Cicada Killer’ wasps

Cicada Killer is a very large solitary wasp, ranging in size from one to two inches long. They have four large brown or golden wings, and a black abdomen (hind part) that has irregular shaped yellow stripes. But don’t panic, they are harmless and are fun to watch.

I received a text the other day from my neighbor about a killer in our neighborhood. Immediately I was on alert and wanted to know more. After all, it’s not every day that a killer is reported in your neighborhood. The next text I got had a picture of the killer. This confirmed the killer’s identity. As I looked at the picture I thought, yep, we have a killer in the neighborhood, I better get over there right away. Of course, I’m talking about a Cicada Killer Wasp (Sphecius speciosus).

Subscribe to the Annandale Advocate to read more!