I had never heard of Cicada Killer Wasps and the past couple of weeks while in the garden, I noticed a very large flying insect that I thought was a horsefly. However, the closer I looked, it did not resemble anything I had seen before. Our neighborhood now has been visited by Cicada Killer Wasps. The males do not sting, but they will dive after people in the garden. Sort of frightening because they are really huge.
Below is information on these wasps from Joe Boggs, a bug expert from Ohio State. For more info go to his post at Ron Wilson. As Joe Boggs states, these insects are impressive and I agree.
KILLERS ON THE LOOSE! During a visit on Wednesday toGlenwood
Gardens Cincinnati , I observed one of the
most impressive populations of cicada killer wasps (Sphecius speciosus)
that I've ever seen in my entire career! These giant wasps are the largest
wasps found in Ohio , measuring 1
1/8" - 1 5/8" in length. They are the nemesis of cicadas, particularly the
annual dog-day cicadas (Tibicen spp.), so they are considered
beneficial. However, their low-level flights over sand volleyball courts,
lawns, and bare areas in landscapes can be disconcerting. Of course, if you
know what's actually going on, fascination can replace fear when you look upon
these impressive wasps.
First, remember that as with all bees and wasps, only the females possess stingers (ovipositors = egg depositors). Second, unlike many of our other wasps, female cicada killers are notably non-aggressive. You really have to work hard to make them sting! The females spend their time digging and provisioning burrows with paralyzed cicada-prey. Their attack on a cicada is signaled by an abrupt halt in the staccato "singing" of the cicada, often punctuated by a high-pitched screech, which usually means a cicada killer has committed an insecticidal act.
The males spend their time establishing and defending territories that encompass females. Biologists call such collections of males gathering for the purpose of competitive mating "leks". The males will aggressively buzz any transgressor who dares to enter their lek; including people. The females prefer to dig their brood burrows in bare, well-drained soil that is exposed to full sunlight. Although the wasps are considered solitary, all of the females have the same nesting requirements. Thus, it is not unusual for there to be numerous burrows, and wasps, in relatively small areas. The males are notoriously territorial and will chase after other males as well as picnickers, golfers, volleyball enthusiasts, and gardeners. Fortunately, it's all a rouse since the males lack stingers.
Cultural practices that promote a thick growth of turfgrass will usually eliminate a cicada killer infestation in a lawn in one or two seasons. In landscapes, the wasps prefer loose soil in full sun; however, they will occasionally set-up shop in open areas that are covered by a thin layer of mulch. Deeping the mulch layer and periodical raking to disturb the mulch or adding plants to shade the soil will make conditions less favorable for the wasps. Since this is a beneficial insect, there are no insecticide recommendations specific to controlling these wasps. Education is one of the best approaches to reducing the angst sometimes caused by these wasps. Indeed,Glenwood
Gardens
Below is information on these wasps from Joe Boggs, a bug expert from Ohio State. For more info go to his post at Ron Wilson. As Joe Boggs states, these insects are impressive and I agree.
KILLERS ON THE LOOSE! During a visit on Wednesday to
First, remember that as with all bees and wasps, only the females possess stingers (ovipositors = egg depositors). Second, unlike many of our other wasps, female cicada killers are notably non-aggressive. You really have to work hard to make them sting! The females spend their time digging and provisioning burrows with paralyzed cicada-prey. Their attack on a cicada is signaled by an abrupt halt in the staccato "singing" of the cicada, often punctuated by a high-pitched screech, which usually means a cicada killer has committed an insecticidal act.
The males spend their time establishing and defending territories that encompass females. Biologists call such collections of males gathering for the purpose of competitive mating "leks". The males will aggressively buzz any transgressor who dares to enter their lek; including people. The females prefer to dig their brood burrows in bare, well-drained soil that is exposed to full sunlight. Although the wasps are considered solitary, all of the females have the same nesting requirements. Thus, it is not unusual for there to be numerous burrows, and wasps, in relatively small areas. The males are notoriously territorial and will chase after other males as well as picnickers, golfers, volleyball enthusiasts, and gardeners. Fortunately, it's all a rouse since the males lack stingers.
Cultural practices that promote a thick growth of turfgrass will usually eliminate a cicada killer infestation in a lawn in one or two seasons. In landscapes, the wasps prefer loose soil in full sun; however, they will occasionally set-up shop in open areas that are covered by a thin layer of mulch. Deeping the mulch layer and periodical raking to disturb the mulch or adding plants to shade the soil will make conditions less favorable for the wasps. Since this is a beneficial insect, there are no insecticide recommendations specific to controlling these wasps. Education is one of the best approaches to reducing the angst sometimes caused by these wasps. Indeed,
Crikey! I haven't seen any of them YET! (shuddering)
ReplyDeleteI had never even heard of them before until this year. I just got back from weeding and I did see one female. Her stinger is at about 1/4 of an inch long, and they have a very loud buzz--can't miss that buzz. You should see them fly through the air carrying a cicada.
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