They do not possess a stinger, and their mouths are made for sucking-sap rather than biting.

The unlucky cicada really has no means of defence once under attack. The cicada killer tends to catch her prey in flight, perhaps because it’s easier to spot them when they are out in the open, or maybe because it’s easier to arbitrate a surprise aerial attack this way. Table 1: Cicada Killer Sting Characteristics Potential for localized infection if the sting site is not properly cleaned and cared for Sting pain and symptoms usually resolve within a day or two Temporary itching and discomfort at the sting site Immediate pain subsides within a few hours, leaving minor discomfort and swelling Most people do not experience severe or long-lasting effects from cicada killer stings

Mild allergic reactions in some individuals Reactions can vary depending on individual sensitivity and location of sting Localized redness, swelling, and discomfort Sting DescriptionĬicada killer stings are painful but typically not dangerous

They excavate the hole using their front feet, and even climb into the hole to push out the sediment with their heads. They prefer sandy or dry soils and often nest on banksides, road verges, or lawns. Female cicada killer wasps spend their short life as an adult, around six weeks, digging out a nest burrow and filling it with cicadas. These large black and yellow wasps are named after their ability to hunt and kill cicadas, which are often the same size or larger than them.Ĭicada killers emerge at a time to coincide with their prey, usually around June and July. Cicada killers are a type of solitary wasp, part of the digger wasp family.

Cicada killer wasp