Interactions

Sphecius speciosus, or the Cicada Killer Wasp, has become an important predator in endangering the survival of the dog-day cicada. The cicada killer, Sphecius speciosus, is a rather large wasp that lives in underground nests.  (Lin, 1963). The wasp will generally catch the cicada midflight and use its venom to paralyze its prey. It will then bring the cicada back to its nest to allow its larvae to feed upon the paralyzed cicada (Smithsonian Institution, 2013).

Many animals will prey upon the cicada as it does not possess many defensive mechanisms. Such predators of cicadas could be Hymenoptera, Mantodea, or Aves (Encyclopedia of Life, 2013).

Cicadas are typically not of an issue to humans. Although they can be a nuisance buzzing around and appearing in large numbers, they do not harm humans (BioKids, 2013).

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