They're back! I had hoped that this summer would be different than the last 3 summers. That we would escape the wrath of the "vicious" Cicada Killer. But alas, it was not to be. This morning as I made my way to the mailbox to get the morning newspapers (for you youngsters, a newspaper is this thing that has black letteres and words printed on large pieces of paper) I noticed one of the dastardly creatures on the post, clearly waiting to "attack" me. I carefully and quickly grabbed for the papers and rapidly made my way back to the house.
If you have never seen or experienced a Cicada Killer (the insect's official name is "sphecius Speciosus" or the Eastern Cicada Killer) they can be quite frightening. They can grow up to 2-inches long and the adults aggressively defend their territory buzzing at anyone or anything who dares to approach their nests. The first time I experienced them 4 years ago I honestly thought the end of the world was near.
Here's a little background on these things: They are robust wasps with hairy, reddish and black areas on the thorax (middle part), and are black to reddish brown marked with light yellow stripes on the abdominal (rear) segments. The wings are brownish. Coloration superficially resembles that of some yellowjacket and hornet species. The females are somewhat larger than the males, and both are among the largest wasps seen in the Eastern United States, their unusual size giving them a uniquely fearsome appearance. Cicada killer females use their sting to paralyze their prey (cicadas), while the males' vigorous territorial defense can be frightening and intimidating to human passersby.
Reading this description, I am sure you can imagine how frightening an encounter would be with these wasps.
As someone who tends to panic at the slightest provocation, my first several experiences with the Cicada Killer were life-changing. They are burrowers and had built several nests in the spaces between the bluestone on our front walkway. I had nightmares about them and did everything in my power to avoid the front walkway. But occasionally I had to run the gauntlet and brave the menacing Killer.
The whole thing became crazy. These 2-inch, menacing wasps were ruining my life. I had to do something. So to the magical InterWeb(s) I went. And to my surprise, I found that despite their menacing appearance, unlike most social wasps and bees, they do not attempt to sting unless handled roughly. In addition, the males pose no danger whatsoever. They will only grapple with other insects, and cannot sting. Finally, They are generally non-aggressive towards humans and usually fly away when swatted at, instead of attacking.
Here's a recent article in the Atlantic that tells you everything you want to know about these wasps.
Despite all of this information, my irrational fear of the menacing Cicada Killer continues unabated. Looks like I will spend the rest of July plotting out my routes to the mailbox that will help me to avoid the unlikely attack that my brain keeps telling me is sure to happen.
Happy Summer.
