cicada killer

American  

noun

1. a black or rust-colored digger wasp, Sphecius speciosis, with a yellow-banded abdomen, that preys on cicadas.

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Etymology

Origin of cicada killer

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Spechius Speciosus or the Eastern cicada killer wasp.

From Scientific American • Aug. 28, 2013

Since females are attracted to existing mounds, if you have one cicada killer wasp, you will likely have dozens of them so look for multiple holes and mounds.

From Scientific American • Aug. 28, 2013

The cicada killer is a magnificent big wasp, whose body is nearly an inch long, banded with black and yellow, while the wings are colored a smoky brown.

From The Meaning of Evolution by Schmucker, Samuel Christian

Another remarkable provision for the young on the part of insects is seen in the behavior of the big sphex wasp, known as the cicada killer.

From The Meaning of Evolution by Schmucker, Samuel Christian