Sand Wasps/Cicada Killer
Crabronidae: Bembix spp.; Sphecious speciosus
Wasps Fact Sheet: English, Spanish.
Bembix sand wasp (Howard Ensign Evans, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org)
Cicada killer (Jessica Louque, Smithers Viscient, Bugwood.org)
Cicada killer with cicada (Ronald F. Billings, Texas Forest Service, Bugwood.org)
Identification
- 3/4 - 1 5/8 inches long
- black wasp with yellowish markings
- some have bright green eyes
- no hairs
Nesting Habits
- solitary, but often nest together in favorable sandy sites in the ground (not in colonies)
- favorable sites are often areas of bare sandy areas
Diet
- nectar, pollen
Significance
- nests pose a minimal health risk to humans
- can give a painful sting but wasps are not aggressive
IPM Recommendations
- Monitor for burrows or aggregations early summer - fall.
- Purchase and use a bee veil, suit and gloves.
- Eliminate nesting habitat by renovating bare soil areas with turf or other cover.
- Eliminate sandy areas.