Entomology (Study of Bugs)/insect identification

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Expert: Eric R. Eaton - 8/10/2006


Question
I have seen them in my backyard and on golf courses.  They are around 2 inches or more in length and look like a large fat wasp.  They are striped yellow and brown.  They continously fly low over the grass.

Answer
David:

Not much of a description, and you failed to tell me where you live....but....

You are most likely describing cicada killer wasps, Sphecius speciosus.  They are solitary insects, each female digging her own nest burrow.  She hunts and parlyzes cicadas which she drags down the burrow as food for her larval offspring.  When she is finished with the one, three, or more cells, she closes the entrance tunnel and leaves.  MALE cicada killers patrol territories, usually in the area where females are nesting, and behave very aggressively, driving off all intruders, especially other male cicada killers:-)  Males cannot sting, however.  Females can sting, but are far too busy to bother people.  Unless you grab one, or step on one in your bare feet as she exits her burrow, you won't get stung.

Enjoy watching them.  You can see images, and learn more, at:

http://www.bugguide.net

and

http://www.whatsthatbug.com

Thanks for the question.

Eric
http://community.webtv.net/bugeric/BugEric

Entomology (Study of Bugs)

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Eric R. Eaton

Expertise

I can answer most questions related to wasps, solitary bees, grasshoppers and katydids, beetles, cicadas, and spiders, and identification of "mystery bugs" in North America. No "what bit me?" or "what do I feed this bug in captivity?" questions please.

Experience

Principal author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America. Professional entomologist employed previously at University of Massachusetts, Chase Studio, Inc., and Cincinnati Zoo; contract work for West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Smithsonian Institution, and Portland (Oregon) State University.

Organizations
Entomological Society of America, National Association of Science Writers

Publications
Author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Missouri Conservationist magazine, Ranger Rick, Timeline (journal of the Ohio Historical Society). I have contributed to several books as well.

Education/Credentials
Oregon State University, undergraduate major in entomology, did not receive degree.

Past/Present Clients
Principal author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Smithsonian Institution (contract), Cincinnati Zoo (employer), Portland State University (contract), Chase Studio, Inc (employer), Arkansas Museum of Discovery (guest speaker). Currently seeking employment in a highly creative work environment with a media corporation or non-profit.

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