Interactions
Female Eastern Cicada Killers are at times attacked by birds
who are attempting to steal food that is being brought back to
the nest. Larvae are vulnerable to being killed by mold
from fly eggs being laid on the cicada before being eaten (Dambach
and Good, 1943). Sphecius speciosus females will sting humans and pets if
provoked, but are generally passive. Poison transferred through
a sting is nearly harmless to humans.
Male cicada killers use the buzzing sound from their wings as a
form of communication to threaten other males who may enter
their territory (Animal Diversity Web).
Although males have shown a more hostile
behavior than females, Sphecius speciosus is, again,
known for its passivity in regards to humans (RedOrbit, 2013).
The potential of male cicada killers interaction with humans,
too, is limited due to their lack of a stinger; however, they
will fly into humans if threatened (Alcock,
1998). Males will chase away anything that crosses
into the territory around their nest. At times they have even
found chasing after inanimate objects. In the case that a
female flies through a territory, she will be chased by all males
that notice her (Dambach and Good, 1943).
Females are only able to mate once, so the pursuit of a fertile
female by males can become intense. Ultimately, the fastest
and most mobile males will be successful (Coehlo,
1997).
Additional interactions of Sphecius speciosus are
essential to that of other pages on the website. For more
information, see: