Sphecius speciosus

The Trophic Cascade Begins: Annual Cicadas, Cicada Killer Wasps, and Cow Killers (??)

Brood XIV (14) of the 17-year Periodical Cicadas have come and gone in Ohio, leaving behind oviposition damage (flagging) as a reminder of their spring fling. Annual Cicadas are now arriving on the scene along with their nemesis, Cicada Killer Wasps. Later, another trophic level may be added with the arrival of Red Velvet Ants.
Published on
Authors
Joe Boggs
Curtis E. Young

Annual Cicadas and Their Intimidating Wasp Nemesis

During this week’s Tuesday morning BYGL Zoom Inservice, Curtis Young (OSU Extension, Van Wirt County) reported that he heard the first Annual Cicadas (family Cicadidae) singing in northwest Ohio. Curtis noted they are about 1 week overdue since he normally hears them in his neck of the woods over the 4th of July Weekend. The cicadas are also singing in the southwest part of the state.
Published on
Authors
Joe Boggs

Dog-Day Cicadas, Cicada Killers, and Other Big Stingers

Annual Dog-Day Cicadas (Neotibicen canicularis; family Cicadidae) are singing in Ohio. Curtis Young (OSU Extension, Van Wirt County) heard his first cicada on July 3. Dave Shetlar (Professor Emeritus, OSU Entomology) reported hearing his first cicada in central Ohio last Friday and I heard my first cicada song late last week in the southwest part of the state.
Published on
Authors
Joe Boggs