Nothing says summer like the chorus of cicadas. Those annual cicadas also signal the arrival of cicada killer wasps, one of Illinois' largest and most misunderstood wasps. Despite their large, intimidating appearance, they are generally harmless.
What do cicada killer wasps look like?
Eastern cicada killers (Sphecius speciosus) are the largest wasps we have in Illinois, reaching 1.5 to 2 inches long. They have a reddish-brown head and thorax, orangish-brown wings, and a black abdomen with yellow bands. Females are usually larger than males.
Cicadas’ worst enemy
Adult cicada killers begin emerging in late June or early July, around the same time annual cicadas appear. After emerging, the adults will feed on nectar and plant sap. The males will establish territories and will attempt to drive off intruders, including humans. If someone walks into a male’s territory, it will hover in front of them (often at eye-level) to determine if they are a threat or rival. After determining the individual doesn’t pose a risk, they will ignore them.
