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large flying insect black with yellow stripes (Cicada Killer)

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Cicada Killer
by: Moni

Katie
Those who said Cicada killer were correct and for those who said hornet...it is not a true hornet but is sometimes called a giant ground hornet.
This large wasp will sting cicadas (paralyzes them so the larvae have 'fresh' food ) to put in the underground nest for the larvae to feed on...hence the name - cicada killer. The adults just feed on flower nectar.
These wasps are found east of the Rockies south into Mexico in gardens, wooded areas, and meadow type areas.
Bugguide gives a great description of the life cycle - "In two or three days after egg laying, a wasp larva will hatch from the egg. The larva immediately begins eating the cicada. When the larva finishes the cicada, leaving only the outer shell (about two weeks), it will then spin a coccoon and hibernate until the following Spring.
In the Spring, the larva will leave its coccoon and become a pupa (resting stage). From the pupa, an adult Cicada Killer will hatch. It will dig its way out of the ground and look for a mate.
Male wasps die shortly after mating. Females die after laying all of their eggs.
These wasps would only sting if provoked. Therefore if you see nests, keep the kids away from that area. To prevent nest building, mulch over sandy soil areas, that is probably a challenge in FL :-) The nest is a rather obvious hole in the ground where the sandy has been piled up as the burrow was made.
Here is a little more info if you want from Univ of FL - http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/cicada_killers.htm
idk
by: Anonymous

I think a hornet but not sure. But this still had its long stinger
Scary looking, but pretty much harmless
by: Stuart

Although this critter's size makes it look quite fearsome, these wasps are generally harmless to humans. Your beastie is a cicada killer. Take a look at wikipedia for more information.
Is it....?
by: Anonymous

Is it possibly a wood wasp? In Alaska anyway we had those (I've never seen one but hubby had one land on him) and they are freaky large. Good luck...
Yellow Markings
by: Lynn

In addition, the insect that stung my friend was not this big. The yellow stripes were the same.
What is it??
by: Lynn

I have a friend who was stung on her leg x 3, during the night. She later found it dead and I've brought it home wanting to identify it for her. The stings were red & itchy for several days.

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