SAN ANTONIO – "They're one of the largest wasps that we have in Texas," said Molly Keck, an entomologist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
Keck is referring to the cicada killer wasp, a wasp that can grow up to 2 inches long. The insect does exactly what its name implies: Kill cicadas. They paralyze cicadas with a sting and then carry them back to feed their young.
"It's pretty impressive because the cicada is usually too heavy for the wasp to fly with it. It literally drags it a long way, from the top of the tree back down," said Keck.
However, as menacing as a cicada killer wasp looks, it poses very little threat to humans.
"They're not going to hurt you. They'll scare the heck out of you, but they're not going to sting you, most likely," said Keck.
They are territorial, but not aggressive.
"So if you come across their nest, they'll buzz around your head and scare you, but they really won't sting you unless you touch them first," said Keck.
Wherever you hear or see cicadas, a summer staple in Texas, you will find cicada killer wasps. However, Keck said wasps, including the cicada killer wasp, appeared to be showing up in higher numbers. The weather could be playing a part, but the reason for the increased number remains uncertain.
Cicada killer wasps live in the ground, digging a hole that is close to dime- or nickel-sized and often difficult to find. In addition, once they find a home, the wasps generally stay put.
"If you see them this summer, it's really likely you'll see them next summer also," said Keck.