wasp, hornet or what?
Posted by Peggy Bailey on August 4, 2006
Q: While at my daughters I saw a large (1-1 1/2") flying critter. It is black with yellow bands on the back and a dark orange on it's back. They seemed to have a nest in the gound. They do not seem agressive but look nasty. Doesn't fit the size for a yellowjacket. We live in Illinois. Thanks
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: Illinois
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: I don't have enough descriptive information on your animal to be sure but it sounds like you may have seen a Cicada Killer (Sphecius speciosus). This is a large wasp that hunts down Cidacas, stings them and then places them in a burrow for its young to feed on as they mature. Although they may look a bit scary due to their size, they're really not much of a threat if you just leave them alone. Try googling this animal and see it it's what you've seen. Thanks for sharing.
John Wiessinger ( August 5, 2006)