Sphecius speciosus (eastern cicada killer) — Virginia Flower Fly (Milesia virginiensis)
CORRECTION: I misidentified this insect. After writing the article I posted these images on iNaturalist and someone suggested it is Virginia Flower Fly (Milesia virginiensis) rather than Sphecius speciosus (eastern cicada killer). Within a few hours two others on iNaturalist agreed this is Virginia Flower Fly (Milesia virginiensis).
So all the interesting details do not apply to the insect in the photographs, except of course for when and where I spotted this creature.
When I first spotted this insect this afternoon I thought it was a yellowjacket. But as I approached closer I saw it was huge, about 1.5 inches long. Actually I had seen one of these odd insects along the driveway near the front porch on July 6 but did not get a good photograph that day.
I believe it is Sphecius speciosus (eastern cicada killer), a solitary wasp common in Eastern United States. Because of the size I think this is a female.
Sphecius speciosus (eastern cicada killer) — Virginia Flower Fly (Milesia virginiensis)
Cicada killers are not particularly aggressive to humans but they sting and paralyze cicadas before carrying them back to the nest. The female lays an egg on the cicada, which will become food for the larva when the egg hatches in a couple of days.
Interestingly the mother cicada killer anticipates the sex of the egg and provisions the nest with one cicada for male offspring, two or three for female offspring.
Sphecius speciosus (eastern cicada killer) — Virginia Flower Fly (Milesia virginiensis)
You captured some amazing photos here. They are of the quality you’d find in a published book. Hats off to your photography skills, and I appreciate the information as well. 🙂
I appreciate your kind words Judy. I came upon this insect when trying to photograph a swallowtail, but it was less cooperative and flitted away too quickly.
That is really interesting. Since I stopped using chemicals on my yard about 10 years ago, I have a fascination with bugs. That one’s a beauty.
The markings are very strong, aren’t they? I hope I’ve identified the insect correctly.
Beautiful photos! The story of wasps who paralyze their prey always chills me a bit, what an amazing bit of evolution.
Thank you! Nature is filled with these thrills and chills.
Whatever it is, Susie, it’s a beautiful creature (even if it engages in creepy behavior). Your photos are stellar! I’ve seldom seen insect wings captured as well as you’ve done here.
Hi Kris! Well, there’s a second vote on iNaturalist for Virginia Flower Fly (Milesia virginiensis) so this insect may not be so creepy after all. Glad you like the image. Thanks.
Great photos, Susie. The eyes are definitely fly, not wasp.
A similar fly was loudly buzzing around my geraniums the other day. I couldn’t figure what it was gleaning as it searched along the leaf edges and flower petioles. A mystery!
👌👌👌 nice
Isn’t nature amazing.
Yes, nature has so many stories. Too bad this didn’t turn out to be cicada killer after all, but what a stunning insect regardless.