Classification

Common Name:  Cicada Killer, Cicada Killer Wasp, Eastern Cicada Killer

Common name originates from its geographic location (Eastern United States) as well as their primary food source (cicadas).

Domain:  Eukaryota

Species in this domain have complex cell parts surrounded by a membrane.

Kingdom:  Animalia

Species in this kingdom are multicellular heterotrophs with no cell walls.

Phylum:  Arthropoda

Species under this phylum are vertebrates with segmented bodies, jointed appendages, exoskeletons made of chitin, have a nervous system, and reproduce sexually.

Class:  Insecta

Species under this class have three body parts (head, thorax, abdomen), three sets of legs, compound eyes, and antenna.

Order:  Hymenoptera

Hymenoptera in English means "membranous wings" members of this order have two sets of wings, narrow junctions between thorax and abdomen.

Family:  Crabronidae

Members of this family were formerly lumped with Sphecidae, larvae feed on prey captured and brought to the nest by adults.

Genus:  Sphecius

Members of this genus are large solitary wasps.

Species:  Sphecius speciosus (Drury, 1773)

Members of this species are cicada killers.

In Latin, specious means "showy" or "beautiful".

Taxonomy information collected from Animal Diversity Web and BugGuide.

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